Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Engine Starting Lesson Plan
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area II, Task C
The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Engine Starting Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with recommended engine starting procedures.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Engine Starting Considerations:0:15Part 3, Engine Starting Anomalies & Malfunctions:0:15Part 4, Engine Starting Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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Attention-Getter:
- Research a case study:
- Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
- Relate similar personal experiences of the same type of incident/accident/mishap
- Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario
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Motivator:
- Even though most airplanes are equipped with electric starters, it is helpful if a pilot is familiar with the procedures and dangers involved in starting an engine by turning the propeller by hand (hand propping)
- Prior to starting jet, air intakes and the surrounding area shall be inspected to eliminate the possibility of Foreign Object Debris, or FOD
- Whenever an engine is started, personnel with adequate fire extinguishing equipment, if available, shall be stationed in the immediate vicinity of the engine but safely clear of intakes or propellers
- In starting an aircraft, all challenges and signals between the person operating the starting device and the person at the engine controls shall be clearly understood and so indicated by repetition before action is taken by either person
- Where the engines are started entirely from the cockpit, the person at the engine controls should exchange signals with a person observing the engine from outside the aircraft
Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Aircraft.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
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Reference Materials:
Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards (ACS).
- Part 2, Engine Starting Considerations:
- Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply aircraft-specific normal engine-start configuration and sequencing, including cold-weather preheating and warm-up, hot-engine restarts, high-elevation mixture considerations, and multiengine or seaplane procedures when applicable. (CA.II.C.K1)
- Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain hand-propping prerequisites and hazards when applicable; emphasize that it requires aircraft-specific procedures, qualified assistance, secure restraint, and positive communication.
- Teach starting with external power: verify compatibility, follow the aircraft-specific connection and start sequence, coordinate safe disconnection before movement, and evaluate post-start electrical indications before flight. (CA.II.C.K2)
- Apply aircraft limitations for battery condition, cranking speed, starter duty cycle and cooling, oil-pressure indication, warm-up, and post-start operation to the actual conditions or assigned scenario. (CA.II.C.K3)
- Engine Run-up.
- Engine Run-up Considerations.
- Have the learner identify and mitigate propeller, blast-area, hand-propping, fire, and unintended-movement hazards before engine start. (CA.II.C.R1)
- Part 3, Engine Starting Anomalies and Malfunctions:
- Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain excessive priming, engine flooding, weak-battery or slow-cranking indications, failure to obtain oil pressure, abnormal electrical indications, engine fire during start, and the aircraft-specific response to each condition.
- Apply safety considerations and checklist discipline to unsuccessful or abnormal starts rather than continuing beyond starter, battery, or engine limitations.
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply air-start considerations only when applicable to the aircraft and approved procedures.
- Part 4, Engine Start-up Guided Scenario(s):
- Require the learner to position the airplane considering structures, other aircraft, wind, propeller and blast areas, nearby persons and property, and—when applicable—waterborne movement. (CA.II.C.S1)
- Have the learner complete the appropriate before-start, starting, after-start, and abnormal-start checklist items while observing all aircraft limitations. (CA.II.C.S2)
- Introduce a realistic cold, hot, flooded, weak-battery, external-power, or abnormal-indication condition and require the learner to select and justify the correct aircraft-specific response.
- Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
- Tie lesson back to previous lessons to reinforce past experiences (law of readiness).
- Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
- Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
- Update the instructor log and student progress. Select the student and sign off completed objectives. If the student does not have a connected account, record the update manually in the instructor log and student training record.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Engine Starting Lesson Plan Interactive Guided Scenario
Commercial Pilot Airplane Engine Starting Guided Flight
Work through one integrated 60-decision guided scenario combining 4 linked lesson topics into a comprehensive training exercise.
Decision 1
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Scenario Complete
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Complete relevant knowledge checks:
- Complete relevant interactive scenarios:
- Ask pertinent questions
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate
Airman Certification Standards
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Engine Starting Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with recommended engine starting procedures
- References: FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM.
Knowledge 3 ACS Elements
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CA.II.C.K1: Starting under various conditions. -
CA.II.C.K2: Starting the engine(s) by use of external power. -
CA.II.C.K3: Engine limitations as they relate to starting.
Risk Management 1 ACS Element
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CA.II.C.R1: Propeller safety.
Skills 2 ACS Elements
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CA.II.C.S1: Position the airplane properly considering structures, other aircraft, wind, and the safety of nearby persons and property. -
CA.II.C.S2: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Engine Starting reinforces that safe flight depends on disciplined preparation, positive aircraft control, and attention to detail before and after the airborne portion of a flight.
- Checklists, clear communication, traffic awareness, configuration verification, and early recognition of discrepancies prevent routine ground tasks from creating avoidable hazards.
- Managing distractions and continuously confirming aircraft position, condition, and readiness turn standard procedures into effective risk controls.
- Continued practice with Engine Starting prepares commercial pilots for busier environments, unfamiliar aircraft, and more complex operations later in training.
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Closure:
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
- To learn more about preparing for the practical test, visit the checkride page.
- Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson
- Assign study materials for the next lesson