Definition
An ignition system in which the electrical energy used to fire the spark plugs is supplied by a battery rather than by a magneto. Current from the battery flows through an ignition coil, where it is stepped up to high voltage and then delivered through a distributor to the spark plugs in the correct firing order.
Plain English
An engine ignition system that uses the aircraft's battery as the source of electrical power to make the spark plugs fire, instead of using a self-contained generator like a magneto.
Context Anchor
Seen in piston-engine aircraft maintenance, engine starting, ignition-system descriptions, and troubleshooting of engines that depend on aircraft electrical power for spark.
Derivation
Battery originally referred to a group of things working together, and later to a group of electrical cells. Ignition comes from a Latin word meaning “to set on fire.” Together, the term points to a system that uses stored electrical power to start combustion in the engine.
Why Pilots Care
It supplies reliable spark for engine start and initial operation, directly affecting starting reliability and flight safety.
Analogy
Similar to a car's ignition, where the battery powers the spark plugs to get the engine running.
Grounding Statement
Picture the battery providing the first small push of electricity, and the ignition system turning that into the strong spark needed to fire the fuel-air mixture.
Intuition Check
Do not assume every aircraft ignition system makes its own electricity. A battery ignition system relies on aircraft electrical power, unlike a self-powered ignition source.
Example Sentence 1
Most certified piston aircraft use magneto ignition rather than a battery ignition system, so the engine continues running even if the electrical system fails.
Example Sentence 2
Low battery voltage can prevent the ignition system from producing a strong enough spark for reliable engine start.