V.C.

Engine Starting____________________________________________________________
References:
1. AC 60-14 (Aviation Instructor’s Handbook)
2. FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook)
3. AC 61-23 (Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
4. AC 91-13 (Cold Weather Operation of Aircraft)
5. FAA-S-8081-1 (Private Pilots Practical Test Standards) pg. 1-6
6. FAA-S-8081-2 (Commercial Pilots Practical Test Standards) pg. 1-15
7. POH (Pilot’s Operating Handbook)
8. FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual

Objective To develop the students understanding of Engine Starting.

Elements 1. Safety precautions related to starting

2. Use of external power
3. Effect of atmospheric conditions on starting
4. Importance of following the appropriate checklist
5. Adjustment of engine controls during start
6. Prevention of airplane movement during and after start

Schedule 1. Discuss Objectives 03

2. Review Material 02
3. Development 20
4. Conclusion 05

Equipment 1. White Board / Markers

2. Airplane Flying Handbook
3. Commercial PTS
4. Model Airplane

IP’s Actions 1. Discuss lesson objectives

2. Present Lecture
3. Ask and Answer Questions

SP’s Actions 1. Participate in discussion

2. Take notes
3. Ask and respond to questions

Completion This lesson will be complete when the SP demonstrates an understanding of Engine
Standards Starting.

V.C. Engine Starting

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Instructor’s Notes: Engine Starting________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION:
WHAT? – Engine Starting Procedures are those actions required to properly start an airplane's engines prior to
flight.
WHY? – Properly starting the engine is important from a safety standpoint, as well as engine wear and tear.
While each and model aircraft will have specific starting procedures outlined in an engine start checklist, some
universal and important factors discussed in this brief.
OVERVIEW - This lesson will cover the basic elements pertaining to Engine Starting, including:
1. Safety precautions related to starting
2. Use of external power
3. Effect of atmospheric conditions on starting
4. Importance of following the appropriate checklist
5. Adjustment of engine controls during start
6. Prevention of airplane movement during and after start
DEVELOPMENT:
HOW?
1.) Safety precautions related to engine starting:
A.) Prior to engine start, make sure the aircraft is positioned correctly.
1. Be aware of the effect of prop blast on people/objects behind the plane.
B.) Leave enough room so that if the brakes fail after engine start, the engine can be shut off before the
aircraft hits anything.
C.) Be sure to set the parking brake and back up with application of toe brakes.
D.) Clear the area visually and announce "clear prop!"
E.) Is possible to start an airplane without an electric starter by hand propping.
1. DON’T TRY IT UNLESS SPECIFICALLY TRAINED!!!
2.) Use of external power:
A.) Allows a “jump start”
B.) Follow procedure in POH
3.) Effect of atmospheric conditions on starting:
A.) Cold weather, in particular, can make engine starting difficult because the oil is thicker and battery is at
low power.
1. Preheating engine can make starting easier
2. Use of the primer may assist in cold weather starts
B.) Once started, a cold engine should be idled at low RPMs for 2-5 min. While the oil warms up, liquefies,
and circulates.
C.) Hot weather can cause the cylinders to become overloaded with fuel leading to a flooded condition
1. Once flooded, engine start should not be attempted for several minutes.
2. Starting a flooded engine is easier if the mixture is in the idle cutoff position.
3. Fuel injected engines are prone to "vapor" lock on hot days.
a) Occurs when air temperature increases causing the fuel in the injection system to vaporize.
b) Can cool temperature down by using the fuel pump to inject fresh/liquid fuel into system.
4.) Importance of following the appropriate checklist.
A.) Using the correct checklist ensure that every item is completed and checked.
5.) Adjustment of engine controls during start.
A.) While activating the starter, one hand should be on the throttle at all times.
B.) Avoid excessive engine excessive engine rpm and temperatures.
C.) Check the engine instruments immediately after start
1. The oil pressure gauge should indicate normal pressure after 30 seconds in summer and 60 seconds
in winter.
6.) Prevention of airplane movement during and after start.
A.) Be sure to set the parking brake and hold the toe brakes during start.
B.) Look out the front and side windows to ensure the plane is not moving.

COMMON ERRORS:
1. Failure to use, or the improper use, of the checklist.
2. Excessively high rpm after starting.
V.C. Engine Starting
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3. Improper preheat of the engine during severe cold weather conditions.
4. Failure to ensure proper clearance of the propeller.

CONCLUSION

OVERVIEW
Discuss Elements, to include:
1. Safety precautions related to starting
2. Use of external power
3. Effect of atmospheric conditions on starting
4. Importance of following the appropriate checklist
5. Adjustment of engine controls during start
6. Prevention of airplane movement during and after start

PRIVATE PTS
Not Applicable

COMMERCIAL PTS
As Stated

COMPLETION STANDARDS:
Pilot has demonstrated knowledge of engine starting through discussion with and oral quizzing from
the CFI.

V.C. Engine Starting

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