key or keyless

Stockmanreef · #1 09-28-2018, 09:51 AM

Maybe this should be a poll, but i would like to get a feel for keyless with push start, push start with hidden key/switch, or keyed ignition.

Thanks
ken

rv7boy · #2 09-28-2018, 10:31 AM

This may be kind of like nosewheel vs. tailwheel, slider canopy vs. tip-up, or fixed-pitch prop vs. constant speed. Everyone has a preference, and for their own good reason.

I will point out that by limiting this to the RV-14 forum, you probably will get fewer replies than if you had posted it to a more general forum, like "RV General Discussion/News." Folks who have been flying RV-3s, -4s, -6s, etc. for a very long time probably have some good experiences to share.

It's a good question, and I'm interested in the replies you get. However, I'm probably 2 or 3 years away from making this decision myself.

RV6_flyer · #3 09-28-2018, 10:31 AM

I do not like key switches in airplanes. There have been too many issues and at least one AD issued on aircraft key switches.

I have been using toggle switches for the past 21-years and more than 3,300 hours. I have a spring return to OFF toggle switch that looks just like my ignition toggle switches. Most major switch manufacturers have switches in this configuration.

Toggle switches should cost less than a key switch and are more reliable.

Just my opinion.

Mel · #4 09-28-2018, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stockmanreef

Maybe this should be a poll, but i would like to get a feel for keyless with push start, push start with hidden key/switch, or keyed ignition.
Thanks
ken

Personally I don't like "key" ignitions. They do fail and the problem is that unless you test the "Off" position periodically, you won't know it's failed. By killing the engine with the mixture, the "Off" position does not get checked regularly. When you do a mag check, you check the left, right, and both positions, but not the "Off" position.

I am now in the process of changing out the key switch on my Legend Cub to toggles and push-to-start switches.

Ron RV8 · #5 09-28-2018, 10:41 AM

I keyed the Master with a nice "jet ski" switch, and toggled the e-mags. Push button start. I like it so far...

Aluminum · #6 09-28-2018, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron RV8

I keyed the Master with a nice "jet ski" switch, and toggled the e-mags. Push button start. I like it so far...

Same here, loving it.

Bgill · #7 09-28-2018, 11:21 AM

My RV-10 has a key switch but I am planning for a push button type in the -14.

Ron RV8 - can you elaborate on the “jet ski” switch? I am not familiar with that other then the “marine kill switch”..

CJ in EP · #8 09-28-2018, 11:29 AM

1.) Reliability - Key switch vs. toggle, I'm sure there will be many arguments on which is better and why. Gary and Mel both make good points though.
2.) Security - Cars use keys, and 765,484 were stolen in the US in 2016.
3.) Liability - What if at the ramp or a fly in some kid decides to climb in your plane and start pushing buttons. The engine may never fire but the prop will still spin, and with enough force to cause significant injury.

On good council I too put a simple key switch to the master.

219PB · #9 09-28-2018, 11:38 AM

I also put a key switch to the master and a push button start. Separate toggle switches for the ignition. I could never forgive myself if some child got access to the plane and inadvertently swung the prop. My system is wired such that even if the key switch failed after the engine was started, the engine would keep running.

Aluminum · #10 09-28-2018, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bgill

Ron RV8 - can you elaborate on the ?jet ski? switch? I am not familiar with that other then the ?marine kill switch?..

Same idea: have a big fat sliding contact switch be the only thing connecting to the battery. Dramatic reduction in PIC confusion in case of battery fire or other electrical malfunction such as stuck starter relay. I used a 1000A marine switch, comes with removable "key" which provides minimal physical security.