Both the Bendix 1200 series, top, and Slick 4300/6300 mags look alike outwardly. But the Slicks have significant design and construction advantages for field repair.

The aviation press has all but planted a sloppy wet kiss on emerging full authority digital engine controls—FADECs—but the harsh truth is that this technology is barely beyond the breadboard stage. Well into the 21st century, what still makes airplane engines run is 19th-century magetos and every owner needs two for each engine.

When it comes to engine choices, there are essentially only two and thanks to the FAA certification straightjacket, the choice has already been made for the vast majority of owners: it’s either Continental or Lycoming. There are only two choices in magnetos, too, either Bendix from Teledyne Continental or Slick from Unison Industries. (Yeah, we know about Eiseman…