16.12–16.14 Ground operation, storage and preservation, alternative piston constructions

Scope

• 16.12 Engine monitoring and ground operation — A level 1, B1/B3 level 3: starting and ground run-up; interpretation of power output and parameters; inspection to manufacturer's criteria.
• 16.13 Storage and preservation — B1/B3 level 2 (not A).
• 16.14 Alternative piston engine constructions — level 1: hybrid piston–electric concepts and electric power augmentation.

Before starting

• Aircraft positioned facing into wind on a clear area, chocks in place, brakes on, propeller area clear, fire extinguisher available.
• Hydraulic (liquid) lock — radial and inverted engines: oil drains into the lower cylinders; attempting to start can bend connecting rods. Turn the propeller by hand (ignition OFF) through several revolutions; if it stops, remove the lower spark plugs (or a cylinder's plugs) to drain — never try to clear it by forcing the propeller.
• Pre-oiling engines after long storage or overhaul.
• Priming (fuel-injected and carburettor engines) — avoid over-priming (fire risk on start).

Starting

• Master and magnetos (often starter switch through the magneto key, with impulse coupling magneto only), throttle cracked, mixture per type, beacon on, "clear prop" call.
• Oil pressure must rise within the specified time.
• Carburettor engine induction fire on start (over-priming): continue cranking to suck the fire into the engine — if it persists, shut off fuel and use the extinguisher.
• Flooded engine start (fuel injected): mixture idle cut-off, throttle open, crank to clear, then normal start.