Engine Start - Airbus A320 Series Instructor Support

The normal engine start procedure is the AUTO START procedure; the MANUAL START procedure is used
exceptionally in specific cases. During an AUTO START procedure the FADEC protects the engines against HOT,
HUNG START, START STALL ..., it detects these phenomena and takes the appropriate action (reducing the fuel flow,
or cutting it off, cranking the engine, attempting a new start etc. ...). This significantly saves engine life time.
The engines are started in sequence, preferably engine 2 first.
!
AUTO START
- Check thrust levers are at Idle.
- Set IGN/START to START. Check amber crosses disappear on ECAM E/W-D and APU bleed pressure stable.
- Set ENG 2 MASTER ON.
- Check in order:
STARTVALVE OPENS
ONCE START VALVE CLOSES
- Then repeat for ENG 1.
For IAE engines a 30 sec crank phase is systematically applied by FADEC before IGN and FUEL FLOW in order to
avoid rotor bow.
Remarks:
- If the thrust lever is not at idle at engine start, an ECAM alert will be triggered requesting lever to be set at idle.
Failing to comply might be hazardous since the engine will accelerate rapidly to the thrust determined by the lever
position.
- When both engines have been started, set the IGN / START switch back to NORM, to allow PACKS to be back
ON.
- Once the engines are started, set APU BLEED to OFF to prevent engine exhaust gas re-ingestion.
- In case of any abnormal during ENG START, follow the ECAM and do not interrupt the FADEC protective
actions by non-requested actions on START panel.
!
MANUAL START
Manual start is to be used exceptionally in case of STARTER VALVE problems or low EGT margins or in case of high
residual EGT or to CRANK the ENG DRY (e.g. to get EGT down) prior to sending fuel ON; it may be recommended for
high altitude operation.
Manual start of the engines is also recommended after aborting a start because of an engine stall, or engine EGT
overlimit, or low start air pressure. Consider dry cranking the engine 30 sec after an aborted start.
During MAN START the FADEC ensures a PASSIVE monitoring of Engine parameters, with potential warnings. The
starter is automatically cut off at about 50% N2.
DATE: JAN 2001

4 - ENGINE START

N2 IGN A (B) FUEL FLOW
Note PEAK EGT, and Eng Vibration
EGT → OIL PRESS rising.
Parameters stabilized.
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A320 INSTRUCTOR SUPPORT
NORMAL OPERATION
UDY0102