Wendell, I would say that is still a
standard for aircraft - for some on the reasons already mentioned.
With a relay(Contactor) you can break the circuit to the starter should it
stick or short. I also have a LED above my starter switch that is on
so long as there is juice to the starter - that way you can tell if the
starter is still engaged after the engine start - happens occasionally and
ruins starts and sometimes the gear teeth on the starter
ring.
However, there are folks who are now
doing away with the contactor feeling it is heavy and there is low risk of
a hang-up happening.
Ed A
I appreciate the
input, I'll order a starter solenoid and pull both in with the start
switch. Like the idea of the LED. On second thought, it would
be easier on the solenoid if it were pulled in first and then hit the
regular start switch.
Wendell