Switch from key to switches?

[Hank]

28 minutes ago, AH-1 Cobra Pilot said:

What might your insurance agency say if it ever gets stolen?  "You made it so a thief did not need the key?"

Didn't seem to slow down the infamous Barefoot Bandit, who flew off and crashed several planes.

[AH-1 Cobra Pilot]

28 minutes ago, LANCECASPER said:

 Plus no turboprop or jet I've ever seen has an ignition key,.

When I was in the training command, a drunk sailor tried to steal a T-39.  He burned up a starter on the first one, but got the engines started on the second jet.  He originally tried to steal a T-47, but found out they had an ignition key.

[Rick Junkin]

5 hours ago, AH-1 Cobra Pilot said:

What might your insurance agency say if it ever gets stolen?  "You made it so a thief did not need the key?"

I use a throttle lock when I'm away from my hangar.

[EricJ]

The keyed ignition switch isn't much of a theft deterrent, anyway.

[Shadrach]

7 hours ago, AH-1 Cobra Pilot said:

What might your insurance agency say if it ever gets stolen?  "You made it so a thief did not need the key?"

Many GA aircraft are delivered without a keyed ignition. Citabrias and Decathlons have toggles on the upper left side switch panel. I don’t believe I have ever been in a light twin with a keyed ignition.

[Pinecone]

No key needed, just reach under the pull the wires off the ignition switch.   Plus, if you wandered around a Mooney gathering, I bet your key would work in at least 20% of the planes.  I remember reading one time that Ford only had 10 keys. 

Was talking to my avionics shop, he recommended a Mags Off card that you would put on the glare shield.  When you put that out, you double check the switches.

We also brainstormed a circuit that would light an LED if the mags were Off (or maybe have it light when they are ON).