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4.2 Engine Start

Objective

To safely start the engines while ensuring proper coordination with ground crew and maintaining full control of the aircraft during pushback or stand departure.

General Principle

Engine start must only be performed when:

    Aircraft is correctly configured Area around aircraft is clear Ground crew confirms readiness

    Mandatory Condition

    👉 Engine start is only permitted after “CLEAR TO START” from ground crew

    Engine Start WITH Pushback

    Preconditions

    • AircraftPushback poweredclearance (EXT PWR or APU)received
    • APUGround AVAILcrew connected (headset)
    Beacon → ON APU BLEED → ON Fuel Pumps → ON

    Procedure

    PF:

      Beacon“Request →pushback ONand start” Parking Brake

      PM:

      → AS REQUIRED
      • ATCCommunicates clearancewith for pushback/start receivedground

      CrewPushback CoordinationInitiation

        Parking Brake → RELEASE (on instruction) Pushback begins

        Engine Start Sequence

        After “CLEAR TO START”:

        PF: “Start Engine 1”
        PM: “Starting Engine 1”

        Engine Start Sequence

        PM:

          • ENG MODE Selector → IGN/START
          • ENG 1 MASTER → ON

          ECAM Monitoring (PM)

          Monitor the following parameters:

          • N2 rotation within 30 seconds
          • OilFuel pressureFlow increasing
          Atat ~20% N2 → fuel introduction EGT rise withinStable limitsparameters

          Standard Callouts

          • “N2 increasing”
          • “Fuel Flow”
          • “EGT rising”
          • “Engine 1 stabilized”
            • Repeat for Engine 2

            During Pushback

              Monitor aircraft movement Maintain communication with ground crew Avoid distractions during engine start

              After Pushback

                Parking Brake → SET (on instruction) Ground crew disconnect confirmed

                Engine Start WITHOUT Pushback (Self Maneuvering Stand)

                Preconditions

                  Area around aircraft visually confirmed clear No ground crew in hazard area Beacon → ON APU BLEED → ON Fuel Pumps → ON

                  Procedure

                  PF:

                    Confirms: “Area clear”

                    Engine Start

                    PF: “Start Engine 1”
                    PM: “Starting Engine 1”

                    PM:

                      ENG MODE Selector → IGN/START ENG 1 MASTER → ON

                      ECAM Monitoring

                        N2 rotation Fuel Flow EGT rise Stabilization
                          Repeat for Engine 2

                          Key Difference

                            No pushback coordination required PF responsible for visual clearance

                            After Start Actions (Both Cases)

                            PM Flow:

                            • ENG MODE Selector → NORM
                            • APU BLEED → OFF (as required)
                            • APU → OFF (if not needed)required)
                            PACKS → ON

                            After Start Flow (PM)

                            • Anti-Ice → AS REQUIRED
                            • Flight Controls → CHECK
                            Flaps → SET for takeoff Pitch Trim → SET

                            Key NotesPrinciples

                            • AlwaysEngine start Engineis 1a firstcontrolled and monitored process
                            • CloselyGround monitorcrew ECAMsafety duringhas startpriority
                            • AbortStandard startsequence inmust casealways ofbe abnormal indicationsfollowed

                            Core Rule

                            “No clear area – no engine start.”

                            Outcome

                              Engines started safely Aircraft ready for taxi Full coordination between cockpit and ground
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