What components make up a typical aircraft ignition system?

The components that make up a typical aircraft ignition system are spark plugs, ignition leads, and magnetos. Spark plugs are crucial as they provide the source of ignition for the air-fuel mixture inside the engine's cylinders. When the magnetos generate electrical energy, this energy travels through the ignition leads to the spark plugs, where it ignites the fuel-air mixture, ultimately leading to the combustion process necessary for engine operation.

Magnetos are self-contained ignition devices that produce the high voltage needed to fire the spark plugs, ensuring that the ignition system works independently of the aircraft’s electrical system, which adds reliability in flight. The ignition leads connect the magnetos to the spark plugs, ensuring that the ignition signal is delivered efficiently and effectively.

Other options list components that are related to different systems in the aircraft. For example, fuel pumps, carburetors, and fuel injectors are involved in the fuel delivery system, while throttle controls, engine cylinders, and fuel tanks pertain to the overall engine operation but do not factor into the ignition system. Batteries, alternators, and control panels are part of the electrical system but do not constitute the ignition system specifically. Thus, the choice containing spark plugs, ignition leads, and magnetos accurately captures the essential