John,

Yes, not a bad idea….however….I have done three different types of cruise mag checks.

1.      I was flying by myself.  Obtained desired data.

2.      Flying with better half and failed to “inform” her I was going to do a mag check.

3.      Flying with better half and informed her I was going to do a mag check and one mag was failed. (Engine stopped…)

As an honorable man, I can only recommend one of the three methods.

If one mag if bad and engine stops, I recommend you pull mixture to idle cutoff, switch back to both mags and then slowly advance mixture and set proper fuel flow. Simply switching back to both mags can cause unwanted noises when the fuel in the exhaust ignites. Unwanted noises can cause bruising around your neck.

Craig Berland

IV-P N7VG

Gents:
Is an in-flight magneto check generally recommended?
Thanks, John Hafen
IVP 413AJ, 330 hours, and I've NEVER touched the key while flying......