Bucks For Electronic Ignition: Worth It?

Three weeks ago, I started checking out an owner in his new-to-him Bellanca Scout, a 180-HP, constant-speed prop tailwheel utility airplane of the sort I’ve flown on and off for 40 years. However, the first takeoff was a revelation—it  performed far better than any 180-HP Scout I’d ever flown. Asking about it, the owner told me that it had one Electroair EIS installed. 

Reading about and talking with owners about performance increases was one thing, experiencing it was another matter. I live in a mountainous area and better takeoff and climb performance is not just important, it can be lifesaving.

Rick Durden

Senior Editor Rick Durden has written for Aviation Consumer since 1994 and specializes in aviation law. Rick is an active CFII and holds an ATP with type ratings in the Douglas DC-3 and Cessna Citation. He is the author of The Thinking Pilot’s Flight Manual or, How to Survive Flying Little Airplanes and Have a Ball Doing It, Vols. 1 & 2.