Engine Starting
Private Pilot ACS · Area II · Task C · 14 CFR 91, POH/AFM, FAA-H-8083-3
Everything you need to know about Engine Starting for your private pilot checkride. Aligned to FAA-S-ACS-6C Task II-C, covering engine starting.
Starting Procedures §
Always follow the POH for the specific aircraft. General sequence:
• Fuel selector on fullest or specified tank
• Mixture rich (or per POH for high altitude)
• Prime per POH (cold engine may need more priming; over-priming = fire risk)
• Throttle cracked slightly
• Magnetos to START or BOTH
• Clear prop — announce "CLEAR PROP" and verify area clear before engaging starter
Hot starts (fuel-injected engines): Flooded injection system. Use lean mixture or throttle technique per POH — not the normal cold-start procedure.
• Fuel selector on fullest or specified tank
• Mixture rich (or per POH for high altitude)
• Prime per POH (cold engine may need more priming; over-priming = fire risk)
• Throttle cracked slightly
• Magnetos to START or BOTH
• Clear prop — announce "CLEAR PROP" and verify area clear before engaging starter
Hot starts (fuel-injected engines): Flooded injection system. Use lean mixture or throttle technique per POH — not the normal cold-start procedure.
POH; AFH Ch.2
Engine Fire During Start §
If fire develops during start:
• Continue cranking (may draw fire back into intake)
• Mixture to IDLE CUTOFF
• Throttle FULL open (starves fire of fuel)
• Fuel selector OFF
• Magnetos OFF
• Evacuate aircraft — do not attempt to fight engine fire without proper equipment
Verify POH for aircraft-specific procedure — sequence may vary.
• Continue cranking (may draw fire back into intake)
• Mixture to IDLE CUTOFF
• Throttle FULL open (starves fire of fuel)
• Fuel selector OFF
• Magnetos OFF
• Evacuate aircraft — do not attempt to fight engine fire without proper equipment
Verify POH for aircraft-specific procedure — sequence may vary.
POH Emergency Procedures