Hello everyone! I am wondering if the ENG IGN select (A or B) should remain on during flight. I am referring of course to the PMDG MD-11(F) but I am also curious of the real-world procedure for this. Thank you, and happy landings!Whomadewho

I don't really think it matters if you leave it on or not. I think it's personal preference. There is no checklist item to turn it off.

"The ignition system has no time limit although excessive use will reduce ignitor service life.""Select ignition OVRD ON whenever conditions call for the use of engine or engine and airframe anti-ice. OVRD ON may be operated continuously and must be selected for the duration of the icing encounter."

Thanks Tigh I was thinking the same thing... It would make sense to turn it off and not leave it going all the time.I could not find anything in the checklists about turning it off.. that is why I thought there may be a reason to leave it on..What about a real bird.. does anyone know if this is specified ?

Leave A or B selected for the whole flight, do NOT deselect it! This doesn't mean that IGN is actually ON continuously, it's simply a matter of being armed. You need that in case of engine failure. Should you wish to run IGN continuously say due to heavy rain, just use the OVRD switch.Whenever IGN is running, automatically or manually, you'll see the corresponding lightning-symbols on the EAD.Cheers,Markus

Thanks Markus, that clarifies it even better.

I was under the impression that once selected it is pretty much left alone. I read somewhere ( may have been the manual ) why you alternate between A and B switches, sure it had something to do with equalising the usage of the system.

I was under the impression that once selected it is pretty much left alone. I read somewhere ( may have been the manual ) why you alternate between A and B switches, sure it had something to do with equalising the usage of the system.

I thought it was IGN A for odd-numbered flights and IGN B for even-numbered flights...

Differentt airlines probably have different SOPs for it but I imagine you're on the right lines Kenny.

As far as I know, engine ignition normally works in automatic mode just like the other systems. Either ENG IGN A or B is selected on (alternating, pattern can be even and odd days) and left alone throughout the entire flight. To cite my documentation:Automatic continuous ignition is active for:-) start-) takeoff (>70 deg throttle resolver angle; off when slats are retracted)-) landing (on when slats, flaps or gear are extended; off one minute after entering ground mode)-) 60 seconds after engine A/I is turned onWhen the automatic ignition system fails and goes to manual mode, selecting either ENG IGN A or B commands continuous ignition, and the label MANUAL illuminates in blue on the respective ignition switch.OVRD powers both ignitors on all engines and bypasses auto ignition control (OVRD ON illuminates when selected on). Hope that answers the original question. Besides, if no ENG IGN switch is selected on, ENG IGN OFF illuminates, which to me looks more like some kind of a warning than a reminder...

I thought it was IGN A for odd-numbered flights and IGN B for even-numbered flights...

Ah yes Kenny that is the point I was trying to make. Thanks :-)