Most aircraft engines, whether reciprocating or turbine powered, require assistance during the starting process. This assistance is provided by a device known as a starter. A starter is an electromechanical mechanism designed to develop sufficient mechanical energy to rotate the engine and initiate the starting cycle.
Reciprocating engines require the starter to rotate the crankshaft at a relatively low speed until the fuel–air mixture ignites and the engine begins operating on its own. Once the engine fires and becomes self-sustaining, the starter automatically disengages and remains inactive until the next engine start.
Turbine engines require a more complex starting process. The starter must accelerate the compressor section to a speed that produces enough airflow through the engine to support fuel ignition. After ignition occurs, the starter continues to assist the engine until it reaches a self-sustaining speed, making turbine starters critical components of the starting system.
Several methods are used to start aircraft engines. Most reciprocating engines use electric motor starters geared to the engine. Modern turbine engines may use electric starters, starter-generator systems, or air turbine starters powered by compressed air. The following series introduces the different types of aircraft engine starting systems and explains their operation and maintenance.
Engine Starting Systems Series
1. Reciprocating Engine Starting Systems
Overview of starting systems used to rotate and start reciprocating aircraft engines.
View Topic →2. Gas Turbine Engine Starters
Description of turbine engine starter systems and their role in the engine starting sequence.
View Topic →3. Electric Starting Systems and Starter Generator Starting System
Explanation of electric starter systems and combined starter-generator units used in aircraft.
View Topic →4. Air Turbine Starters
Operation of air turbine starters that use compressed air to drive the engine during starting.
View Topic →