Definition
An alloy of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt, combined with iron and small amounts of other metals, used to make strong permanent magnets. Alnico magnets hold their magnetism well and tolerate high temperatures, which makes them suitable for aircraft instruments and magnetos.
Plain English
A metal mixture used to make powerful, long-lasting magnets found inside aircraft magnetos and certain instruments.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance, electrical system, ignition system, and instrument component descriptions.
Derivation
The name is built from the chemical symbols of its three main ingredients: Al (aluminum), Ni (nickel), and Co (cobalt). Knowing this makes the word self-explanatory once you see it broken apart.
Why Pilots Care
Alnico magnets are what allow a magneto to keep producing ignition sparks even when the aircraft's electrical system fails. Their durability is part of why piston engines can keep running with a dead battery.
Intuition Check
Alnico is not a procedure, instrument, or electrical reading. It is a magnetic metal material used inside some components.
Example Sentence 1
The magneto uses an Alnico rotor to generate the high voltage needed to fire the spark plugs.
Example Sentence 2
Maintenance manuals specify replacement of the alnico magnet if compass deviation exceeds allowable limits.