Piper Archer Magneto Safety Guard

Employees at Purdue University have developed a magneto safety guard to ensure Piper Archer aircraft are secure when no longer in use. Purdue University's school of Aviation and Transportation Technology uses Piper Aircraft's Archer model (PA-28-181 Archer) for student flight training. Currently, there is no way to tell externally if the Piper Archers' magneto switches have been left 'on.' With the magneto 'on,' a plane's batteries may drain, the ignition system may overheat, or the plane may accidentally start up. Purdue employees designed a protective covering over the magneto switches to ensure they are not 'on,' while also using a red hanging tag to visually alert approaching flight crews.

Technology Validation:

The device is currently deployed and being used on all applicable Purdue aircraft. 

Advantages:

-Prevents accidental start-up

-Prevents injury/death

Applications:

-Safety

-Aeronautics

Publication:

https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/2024/Q4/purdue-aviation-experts-create-safety-guard-for-piper-archer-aircraft-in-the-purdue-fleet/

TRL: 9

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: aircraft ignition safety,magneto switch guard,aviation safety device,flight training safety tool,prevent accidental startup,aircraft battery protection,visual safety alert system,Piper Archer safety equipment,aviation ground safety,student pilot aircraft protection