Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Textron Aviation has updated the Cessna Skyhawk’s engine with a Lycoming dual electronic ignition system (EIS), which is now standard on new-production Skyhawks. The airplane’s engine, a 180-hp, fuel-injected Lycoming IO-360-L2A, was previously equipped with two magnetos.
According to Textron Aviation, the SureFly-manufactured EIS makes maintenance more efficient and improves the operation of the engine. SureFly EIS has a 2,400-hour “operating service time” and requires no interim maintenance, compared with the typical 500-hour inspection requirement for most magnetos.
Additionally, the EIS improves engine starting, especially when hot, and helps the engine perform better and burn less fuel. Lycoming engineers worked with SureFly to develop the EIS.
“The incorporation of the dual electronic ignition system demonstrates Textron Aviation’s continued commitment to our piston aircraft, including the legendary Cessna Skyhawk, by easing operations for customers,” said Textron Aviation v-p of piston and utility sales Chris Crow. “With 70 years of proven performance, the aircraft continues to play a vital role in supporting pilots across the globe.”
More than 45,000 Skyhawks have been delivered since the model’s debut flight in 1955. Next week at EAA AirVenture 2025, Textron Aviation is celebrating the 70th anniversary since the C-172’s first flight.

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Cessna Skyhawk Replaces Magnetos with Electronic Ignition

Lycoming system reduces maintenance costs and improves performance

Textron Aviation has updated the Cessna Skyhawk’s engine with a Lycoming dual electronic ignition system (EIS), which is now standard on new Skyhawks.

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