Vented igniter

An improved spark igniter for use in a gas turbine engine having a combustion means, said igniter comprising a central electrode, a ceramic insulator surrounding said central electrode and extending beyond the tip thereof, an outer shell positioned around said ceramic insulator and extending over the end surface thereof, said outer shell being spaced from the tip of said central electrode to form an electrode cavity in which a spark gap is formed, at least one vent passage in said outer shell for receiving a fuel-air mixture from within the engine, said vent passage being in communication with an outlet area of lower pressure, and at least one inlet opening in the side wall of the outer shell in the upper portion of the electrode cavity in communication with the vent passage such that the fuel-air mixture entering said opening passes near the tip of the central electrode in the electrode cavity causing the mixture to be ignited when the igniter is activated.