Method of informing pilot of aircraft of spark detected in gasturbine engine

A system for detecting spark in an igniter for a gas turbine engine is provided. An igniter generates a plasma, or spark, somewhat similar to an automotive spark plug. In the invention, an inductive pick-up is positioned adjacent the igniter, to detect current pulses in the igniter, to thereby infer the presence of spark. A detection system detects the spark, and informs the pilot of the aircraft of the detected spark. Thus, if the pilot encounters a problem in starting the engine, the pilot can rapidly determine whether the igniter is involved in the problem.