FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

Which of the following circuits are components of a high tension magneto?

1. Primary and secondary only

2. Magnetic, primary, and secondary

3. Rotating and grounding

4. Ignition coil and secondary

The correct answer is: Magnetic, primary, and secondary

The correct choice identifies components essential to the functioning of a high tension magneto. A high tension magneto includes a magnetic circuit that is fundamental for inducing the electrical current necessary for ignition. The magnetic circuit creates the magnetic field, which is crucial for the operation of the primary and secondary circuits that together complete the ignition system. The primary circuit is responsible for initiating the spark while the secondary circuit contains the higher voltage necessary to produce a strong spark at the spark plugs. Each element—the magnetic circuit, primary circuit, and secondary circuit—plays a vital role in the magneto’s operation, ensuring that it can generate a spark sufficient for engine ignition. Other options such as those focusing solely on primary and secondary without mentioning the magnetic aspect fail to encompass the complete functionality of the magneto. Connections related to rotation and grounding or ignition coil functionality alone do not fully describe the essential components of a high tension magneto. By including all three aspects—magnetic, primary, and secondary—this option accurately captures the complexity and mechanism of a high tension magneto.