Abstract: An ignition assembly for use in pilots for flaring, incineration, and process burner applications, includes a hot surface igniter assembly specifically located in the pilot head or combustion chamber of a flame front ignition system for providing a pilot ignition source. The pilot head is positioned proximally to the exhaust exit of a flare gas stack. The hot surface ignition assembly is positioned proximally to the pilot head. The hot surface ignition assembly passes electric current through a ceramic-insulated element in order to produce heat by induction sufficient to ignite said pilot gas. A thermocouple, or other form of flame sensor, is provided for detecting and a sensing the existence of pilot flame and for controlling the ignition sequence.