FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

What initial action should be taken if a turbine engine fails to reach idle RPM during start?

1. Check fuel levels

2. Perform a system diagnostic

3. Continue to attempt starting

4. Shut down the engine and investigate

The correct answer is: Shut down the engine and investigate

When a turbine engine fails to reach idle RPM during start, the initial and appropriate action is to shut down the engine and investigate the cause of the failure. This is crucial because attempting to continue the starting process could lead to further complications or damage. By shutting down the engine, the operator ensures that any underlying issues can be properly diagnosed and addressed without risking additional harm to the engine or surrounding components. This may include examining the fuel supply, ignition system, or other critical engine parameters that contribute to normal starting operations. Understanding the potential for operational hazards during an abnormal start procedure is essential. Ignoring the signs of a problem, such as low RPM during start, can lead to catastrophic failures or unsafe operating conditions in the future. Therefore, taking a cautious and methodical approach by shutting down and investigating is the correct procedure following this type of engine anomaly.