Champion SlickStart & SureStart Magneto Boosters

Authorised European Distributor for Champion Aerospace Magneto Start Systems

Reliable Engine Starting in Any Condition

Airpart Supply is an authorised distributor and stockist for Champion Aerospace SlickStart and SureStart magneto booster systems, serving aircraft operators throughout Europe with advanced ignition starting solutions. Champion's SlickStart and SureStart magneto boosters deliver up to 340% more spark energy to your spark plugs during engine starting, providing reliable ignition even in challenging conditions including cold weather starts, hot restarts, and situations involving fouled spark plugs or improper priming. These advanced starting systems work seamlessly with Champion Slick magnetos and are STC approved for 99% of all general aviation aircraft, making them compatible with popular aircraft types including Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, Mooney, and many others equipped with Lycoming and Continental engines. The system operates on both 12-volt and 24-volt electrical systems, draws only 5 amps of current, and requires no modifications to aircraft flight manuals or engine starting procedures. Installation takes approximately one hour and involves mounting the compact unit to the firewall and connecting to the starter solenoid, ground, and magneto.

Advanced Capacitive Discharge Technology

The Champion SlickStart and SureStart systems utilise sophisticated capacitive discharge technology to generate what Champion Aerospace describes as a "firestorm of ignition energy" during the starting sequence. This electronic system stores energy and delivers it to the magneto when the starter is engaged, creating a shower of sparks rather than a single spark event.

Unlike conventional impulse coupling systems that provide a single retarded spark, or older Bendix/TCM starting vibrators, the SlickStart/SureStart creates an extended spark sequence measured in kilojoules of electrical energy. This prolonged, high-intensity spark ensures reliable ignition even when fuel mixture, spark plug condition, or environmental factors are less than optimal.

The compact module measures approximately 5 inches tall by 3.5 inches wide and mounts easily to the aircraft firewall. The system is designed to work with both impulse-coupled magnetos and retard breaker magnetos, and can replace older starting vibrator systems in aircraft equipped with compatible magnetos.

Originally developed in 1997 by Unison Industries and now manufactured by Champion Aerospace, these magneto boosters represent a modern, computerised approach to the "shower of sparks" concept, providing significantly improved starting reliability compared to traditional ignition systems.

Available Models and Compatibility

Model SS1001 - For Slick Magnetos

The SS1001 SlickStart is specifically designed for use with Champion Slick 4200/6200 series and 4300/6300 series magnetos. This model is the most common configuration for general aviation aircraft equipped with Slick magneto systems.

• Compatible Magnetos: Slick 4200, 6200, 4300, and 6300 series
• Voltage: 12-volt and 24-volt electrical systems
• Current Draw: 5 amps during operation
• Installation Time: Approximately 4 hours
• Special Note: For optimal performance with 4345, 4347, and 6393 magnetos, Champion recommends converting to one retard breaker on the left magneto

Model SS1002 - For Bendix Magnetos

The SS1002 model is engineered for compatibility with Bendix 20/200 series magnetos. This model provides the same advanced starting technology for aircraft equipped with Bendix ignition systems.

• Compatible Magnetos: Bendix 20 and 200 series
• Important: Not compatible with Bendix 3000-series dual magnetos
• Application: Replaces TCM-Bendix starting vibrators in retard breaker magneto configurations

Note for Twin-Engine Aircraft: One SlickStart/SureStart module is required for each engine in twin-engine installations. Each engine's magneto system requires its own dedicated booster unit for proper operation.

Why Choose Champion SlickStart & SureStart Magneto Boosters?

Superior Starting Performance

Champion SlickStart and SureStart systems deliver up to 340% more spark energy to your spark plugs during the starting sequence compared to conventional magneto systems. This massive increase in ignition energy ensures reliable engine starts in conditions where standard magnetos struggle, including cold weather starts, hot engine restarts, and situations with fouled spark plugs. The extended spark duration created by the capacitive discharge system provides multiple opportunities for fuel ignition, dramatically improving starting reliability across all operating conditions.

Exceptional Cold Weather Capability

Aircraft operators in cold climates face significant starting challenges when temperatures drop. The SlickStart/SureStart system excels in extreme cold weather conditions by providing intense spark energy that ignites fuel mixtures even when atomisation is poor due to low temperatures. The system overcomes the challenges of cold-soaked engines, thickened oil, and reduced battery capacity by requiring fewer starter rotations to achieve ignition. Many operators report successful starts in sub-zero temperatures that previously required external preheating or resulted in flat batteries.

Reliable Hot Start Performance

Hot starts represent one of the most frustrating scenarios for aircraft operators, particularly with fuel-injected engines. When engines are shut down after operation and allowed to heat-soak, fuel vapourisation in lines and injectors creates difficult starting conditions. The Champion magneto booster system addresses this challenge by providing sufficient spark energy to ignite fuel mixtures regardless of vapour lock or uneven fuel distribution. Aircraft equipped with SlickStart/SureStart typically start within two to three propeller blades even when engine temperatures are elevated, eliminating the extended cranking sessions that drain batteries and stress starter motors.

Reduced Electrical System Stress

Extended cranking periods place enormous stress on aircraft batteries and starter motors, reducing their service life and increasing maintenance costs. By enabling rapid engine starts, the SlickStart/SureStart system significantly reduces the electrical load on starting systems. The typical 5-amp current draw of the booster unit is minimal compared to the cumulative battery drain from extended cranking sessions. Operators report substantial improvements in battery longevity and reduced starter motor wear, as engines fire quickly rather than requiring repeated cranking attempts that stress electrical components.

Simple Installation and Maintenance-Free Operation

The installation process for Champion SlickStart/SureStart systems is straightforward, typically requiring approximately one hour for completion by qualified aviation maintenance technicians. The compact module mounts to the aircraft firewall and connects to the starter solenoid, ground, and left magneto. No modifications to the aircraft flight manual or engine starting procedures are required, and the system is STC approved for 99% of all general aviation aircraft. Once installed, the system requires no periodic maintenance, operating reliably throughout its service life without adjustment or servicing beyond normal aircraft inspection procedures.

Broad Aircraft and Engine Compatibility

Champion SlickStart and SureStart systems are approved for use with an extensive range of aircraft types and engine models. The SS1001 model is compatible with Slick 4200/6200 and 4300/6300 series magnetos commonly found on Lycoming and Continental engines. The SS1002 model supports Bendix 20/200 series magnetos. These configurations cover the vast majority of general aviation piston engine installations, including popular aircraft such as Cessna 172, 182, 206, and 210 models, Piper Cherokee, Archer, Arrow, Saratoga, and Seneca variants, Beechcraft Bonanza and Baron models, Mooney aircraft, and numerous other certificated and experimental aircraft types.

Compatible with Existing Magneto Systems

The SlickStart/SureStart system is designed to work in conjunction with conventional Champion Slick magneto systems without affecting their normal operation. The booster does not alter inspection, maintenance, or overhaul procedures for the magnetos and ignition harnesses with which it interfaces. Aircraft equipped with the system can be serviced using standard magneto maintenance practices, and the magneto booster operates transparently during normal flight operations. The system only activates during the starting sequence when the starter solenoid is energised, remaining dormant during all other phases of flight.

Overcomes Poor Engine Priming

Achieving the correct fuel-to-air mixture during engine starting is often challenging, with both over-priming and under-priming creating difficult starting conditions. The intense spark energy provided by the SlickStart/SureStart system gives pilots greater latitude in priming procedures by ensuring ignition occurs even when mixture ratios are suboptimal. Over-primed engines that would normally flood and resist starting will fire more readily with the enhanced spark energy, while under-primed engines benefit from the extended spark duration that ignites leaner mixtures. This forgiving characteristic reduces pilot workload during starting procedures and minimises the risk of engine flooding from repeated priming attempts.

Proven Real-World Performance

Aircraft operators worldwide report consistent, positive experiences with Champion SlickStart and SureStart systems. Field reports indicate that engines equipped with these magneto boosters typically start within two to three propeller blade rotations regardless of temperature conditions, priming status, or time since last operation. Operators of fuel-injected engines, which are particularly prone to hot-start difficulties, emphasise the dramatic improvement in starting reliability. The system has proven especially valuable for aircraft used in commercial operations where schedule reliability is critical, and for private owners who no longer face the frustration and expense of starting-related delays and battery replacements.

Ordering Champion SlickStart & SureStart Systems

When ordering a Champion SlickStart or SureStart magneto booster system, it is essential to verify compatibility with your specific aircraft and engine configuration. The system is available in complete conversion kits that include the booster module, mounting hardware, wiring harnesses, and detailed installation instructions.

To order or enquire about Champion SlickStart/SureStart systems:

• Contact our technical sales team with your aircraft make, model, and year
• Provide details of your current magneto system (Slick or Bendix, model numbers)
• Specify your aircraft electrical system voltage (12V or 24V)
• Confirm engine type (Lycoming, Continental, or other)

Our experienced staff can assist with model selection, provide current pricing and availability information, and arrange delivery throughout Europe from our Dublin facility. We maintain stock of common configurations and can expedite special orders when required.

For detailed technical information about Champion Slick magnetos and compatibility with SlickStart/SureStart systems, please refer to Champion Aerospace Service Letter SL2-96 or contact our technical support team. Additional information about related ignition system components including Champion spark plugs, ignition harnesses, and rebuilt magnetos is available on our website.

Complete Ignition System Solutions

Airpart Supply stocks a comprehensive range of Champion Aerospace ignition system components to support your aircraft maintenance requirements. Combining the SlickStart/SureStart magneto booster with quality ignition components ensures optimal engine performance and reliability.

Champion Slick Magnetos

We offer the complete range of Champion Slick magnetos for virtually all piston engine applications. Slick magnetos feature dimensionally smaller designs, superior radio noise suppression, and simplified maintenance compared to competitive units. We also stock Champion Rebuilt Slick Magnetos as cost-effective alternatives to new units.

Spark Plugs and Ignition Accessories

Maintain your ignition system with Champion spark plugs and ignition harnesses. We stock aviation spark plugs in various heat ranges and electrode configurations, along with ignition harnesses manufactured to precise specifications for reliable spark delivery.

Engine Components and Accessories

Complement your ignition system with quality engine components including oil filters, fuel system components, Champion oil filters, and engine oils and lubricants.

Electrical System Components

Ensure reliable electrical power for your starting system with Plane Power alternators, Sky-Tec starter motors, Concorde batteries, and Gill batteries.

Upgrade Your Aircraft Starting System Today

Contact Airpart Supply for Champion SlickStart and SureStart magneto booster systems. Our experienced team provides expert technical support, competitive pricing, and fast delivery throughout Europe.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +353 1 699 4406