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Flying
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Operations > Engine Starting
The specific procedures for engine starting
will not be discussed here since there are as many differentmethods
as there are different engines, fuel systems, and starting conditions.
The before engine starting and engine starting checklist procedures
should be followed. There are, however, certain precautions
that apply to all airplanes. Some pilots have started the engine
with the tail of the airplane pointed toward an open hangar
door, parked automobiles, or a group of bystanders. This is
not only discourteous, but may result in personal injury and
damage to the property of others. Propeller blast can be surprisingly
powerful. When ready to start the engine, the pilot should look
in all directions to be sure that nothing is or will be in the
vicinity of the propeller. This includes nearby persons and
aircraft that could be struck by the propeller blast or the
debris it might pick up from the ground. The anticollision light
should be turned on prior to engine start, even during daytime
operations. At night, the position (navigation) lights should
also be on. The pilot should always call “CLEAR”
out of the side window and wait for a response from persons
who may be nearby before activating the starter.When activating
the starter, one hand should be kept on the throttle. This allows
prompt response if the engine falters during starting, and allows
the pilot to rapidly retard the throttle if revolutions per
minute (r.p.m.) are excessive after starting. A low r.p.m. setting
(800 to 1,000) is recommended immediately following engine start.
It is highly undesirable to allow the r.p.m. to race immediately
after start, as there will be insufficient lubrication until
the oil pressure rises. In freezing temperatures, the engine
will also be exposed to potential mechanical distress until
it warms and normal internal operating clearances are assumed.
As soon as the engine is operating smoothly, the oil pressure
should be checked. If it does not rise to the manufacturer’s
specified value, the engine may not be receiving proper lubrication
and should be shut down immediately to prevent serious damage.
Although quite rare, the starter motor may remain on and engaged
after the engine starts. This can be detected by a continuous
very high current draw on the ammeter. Some airplanes also have
a starter engaged warning light specifically for this purpose.
The engine should be shut down immediately should this occur.
Starters are small electric motors designed to draw large amounts
of current for short periods of cranking. Should the engine
fail to start readily, avoid continuous starter operation for
periods longer than 30 seconds without a cool down period of
at least 30 seconds to a minute (some AFM/POH specify even longer).
Their service life is drastically shortened from high heat through
overuse.
figure2-9. Standard hand signals.
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