01/05/2016

POWER PLANT (IAE) | The Flying Engineer

The Flying Engineer ~ Technically and Operationally

Commercial Aviation

POWER PLANT (IAE)

If there is any conicting information, your FCOM shall be the overriding reference.
Q1. What are the various sections of an engine?
A1. The following are the various sections of an engine:(a) Air Inlet
(b) Compressor
(c) Combustion Chamber
(d) Turbine
(e) Exhaust
Q2. What do you mean by N1?
A2. N1 is the low pressure compressor/turbine and fan rotational speed expressed in percentage.
Q3. What do you mean by N2?
A3. N2 is the high pressure compressor and turbine rotational speed expressed in percentage.
Q4. What do you mean by EPR?
A4. EPR is short for Engine Pressure Ratio. The EPR instrument provides a readout of the ratio of
the turbine discharge total pressure to the compressor inlet total pressure.
Q5. What do you mean by EGT?
A5. EGT is short for Exhaust Gas Temperature. This is the temperature of the gases escaping at the
exhaust of an engine, the temperature a he outlet from the turbine is usually measured bysuitably
positioned thermocouples.
Q6. What is the meaning of hot start?
A6. A Hot Start is one of the starting malfunctions in a Jet Engine. During starting if the
temperatures inside the combustion section get hot enough to cause internal damage to the engine,
a Hot Start is said to have occurred.
Q7. What is the meaning of hung start?

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A7. A Hung Start is one of the starting malfunctions in a Jet Engine. During start, if the EGT

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A7. A Hung Start is one of the starting malfunctions in a Jet Engine. During start, if the EGT
becomes higher than what would be expected for the RPM at which the engine has stabilized, which
itself is lower than the self-sustaining speed, a Hung Start is said to have occurred.
Q8. What do you mean by no light up of an engine?
A8. Light up in an engine is indicated by the increase in EGT, thus, if there is no rise in EGT, it
indicates a no light up.
Q9. What is FADEC? What is its other name?
A9. FADEC is short for Full Authority Digital Engine Control. FADEC, also called the Electronic
EngineControl (EEC), is a digital control system that performscomplete engine management.
Q10. How many channels does the FADEC computer have?
A10. Two.
Q11. What are the functions of the FADEC?
A11. The following are the functions of FADEC:(a) Control of Gas Generator
(b) Protection against engine exceeding limits
(c) Power management
(d) Automatic engine starting sequence
(e) Manual engine starting sequence
(f)

Thrust reverser control

(g) Fuel recirculation control

(h) Transmission of engine parameters and engine monitoring information to cockpit indicators
(i)

Detection, recording and isolation of failures

(j)

FADEC cooling

(k) Protection against fan u er

Q12. How is the FADEC powered?
A12. The FADEC system is self-powered above 10 % N2.In case of a FADEC self-power loss, the
aircra electrical network automatically supplies the FADEC.
Q13. What happens during Auto-Start on ground?
a) When you select the ENG MODE selector to IGN/START,
b) When you select the ENG MASTER switch to ON.

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b) When you select the ENG MASTER switch to ON.

A13. The following happens during Auto start on ground:
(a) ENG MODE selector to IGN/START :
-START IDENTIFICATION: ECAM displays ENG page
-PACK valve closes
(b) ENG MASTER ON:
-LP fuel valve opens
-START valve opens
-A er automatic dry crank sequence
*Ignition starts
*HP fuel valve opens
-When N2 > 43 %
*START valve closes
*Ignition stops
*Pack Valve reopens
Q14. What are the conditions when ECAM of ENG START FAULT can come for an
engine during auto-start?
A14. The following are the conditions:
(a) ENG IGNITION FAULT: the engine does not start within 20 seconds that follow the ignition
start
(b) NO N1 Rotation
(c) STALL
(d) EGT Over limit
(e) Hung Start
Q15. What happens during AUTO Start on ground, if FADEC detects a hot start, hung start
or no light up?
A15. The FADEC will immediately shut o fuel and turn o ignition. A er any start a empt that is
not successful, a dry crank automatically occurs. At the end of the dry crank sequence, the start
valve is closed.
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Q16. During engine start, if the amber FAULT light illuminates on the ENG MASTER

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Q16. During engine start, if the amber FAULT light illuminates on the ENG MASTER
panel. What could have gone wrong? What does this light indicate?
A16. The amber FAULT light comes on, and a caution appears on ECAM, if there is:
(a) An automatic start abort
(b) A start valve fault
(c) A disagreement between the HP fuel valve position and its commandedposition.
Q17. What is the meaning of AUTO CRANK IN PROGRESS message appearing on E/WD
during auto start?
A17. A er any start a empt that is not successful, a dry crank automatically occurs. This auto dry
crank sequence is initiated by the FADEC and is what the E/WD message means.
Q18. What happens a er Dry Crank sequence during Auto start?
A18. At the end of the dry crank sequence, the start valve is closed.
Q19. Will FADEC always perform second start if rst a empt is aborted by it?
A19. No.
Q20. During Auto-Start usually one igniter is on. Do you remember any situation during
auto start when both igniters come on? What is that?
A20. If the automatic start fails, the FADEC energizes both igniters at the same time during
thesecond a empt at an engine start.
Q21. What happens when N2 > 43% during AUTO start of the engine?
A21. The following happens:
When N2 > 43 %
*START valve closes
*Ignition stops
*Pack Valve reopens
Q22. What happens when N2 >50% during AUTO Start?
A22. Above 50% N2, the FADEC would not run an abort sequence if a start aborts on the ground.
Q23. What is the role of FADEC during auto-start of an engine?
A23. This sequence is under the full authority of the FADEC, which controls:
- The start valve
- The igniters

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- The igniters
- The fuel HP valves
The FADEC:
- detects a hot start, a hung start, a stall, or no light up
- announces FAULT and identies the fault in an ECAM message
- Runs an abort sequence if a start aborts on the ground when N2 < 50 %
closes the HP valve
closes the start valve
turns o ignition
cranks the engine crank a er the start abort in order to clear out fuel vapors
- ensures an automatic dry crank sequence of 30 s at maximum motoring speed.
Q24. When can you say that engine start sequence is over?
A24. When the following parameters are reached:

N1 about 21.4 %

N2 about 57.8 %

EPR about 1.01

EGT about 414 deg Celsius

FF about 350 kg/h

AVAIL indication is displayed

Grey background on N2 indication disappears.
The engine start sequence is supposed to be over.
Q25. What does the FADEC control during Manual engine start?
A25. The FADEC has limited authority over manual starting controlling:
- The opening of the start valve when the ENG MODE selector is set to IGN/START and the MAN
START pushbu on switch is pressed.
- The position of the HP fuel valve and the operation of both igniters, when the master switch is
turned ON

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- The closing of the start valve at approximately 43 % N2, and, on the ground, the cu ing o

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- The closing of the start valve at approximately 43 % N2, and, on the ground, the cu ing o
ofIgnition.
The FADEC makes a passive survey of the engine during the starting sequence (up to 50 % N2).
Q26. During a manual start, how is the start valve opened?
A26. During a manual start, the start valve is opened by switching on the ENG MAN START P/b to
on.
Q27. What takes place when you push the MAN START bu on during manual start of
engine?
A27. The Start Valve opens.
Q28. What happens when you select Master Switch to ON, in Manual Start?
A28. The following happens:
Both igniters come on.
LP and HP fuel valves come on.
When N2 > 43%, start valve closes and if on ground, ignition stops.
Q29. Does the FADEC provide EGT limit protection constantly?
A29. No.
Q30. How do you carry out dry cranking cycle, if required manually?
A30. The ight crew can manually select cranking by se ing the ENG MODE selector to CRANK
and theMAN START pushbu on switch to ON (MASTER switch OFF).
Q31. During a manual start, are the automatic start interruption and auto-crank functions
available?
A31. No.
Q32. During a manual start of the #1 engine, does the ENG MAN START pushbu on have
to be depressed to close the start valve?
A32. No.
Q33. Due to a tailwind of greater than 10 knots the crew should select the Manual Engine
Start procedure. Give examples of other conditions that may require a Manual Engine
Start.
A33. Manual starting is recommended in the following cases:
->A er aborting a start, because of:
-Engine stall, Engine EGT over limit, LO START AIR PRESS, or No N1 rotation, or Hung start.
->When expecting a start abort, because of:

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->When expecting a start abort, because of:

-Degraded bleed performance due to hot conditions or at a high altitude aireld.
-An engine with a reduced EGT margin, in hot conditions or at a high altitude aireld
-Marginal performance of the external pneumatic power group.
Q34. During an engine start sequence, the gray background on N2 disappears at about 57%.
What does this indicate?
A34. This indicates that the start sequence has been completed.
Q35. FADEC takes care of start abort or recycle of engine starting but only on ground and
that too in Auto-Start.
True / False?
A35. True.
Q36. What is the Manual Engine Start procedure?
A36. Manual Engine start sequence:
ENG Mode selector to IGN/START
ENG MAN START p/b ON
At Max Motoring (min. 20% N2) select ENG Master switch ON
Fuel and ignition will begin when ENG Master selected ON
At 50% start valve closes, ignition o
At idle, about 58%, ENG MAN START p/b OFF
ENG mode selector to NORM
Q37. What is the limitation of engaging start valve/motor vis--vis N2?
A37. Starter limit:
o Three consecutive cycles: 2 cycles of 2 min each, followed by a third cycle of 1 min.
o Time between start a empts is 15 sec,
o Cooling period a er three a empts or 4 minutes of continuous cranking: 30 min
No starter engagement with N2 > 10% on ground and 18% in ight.
NOTE! Readers comment:
A37) Limitation given in A37 are for CFM.
For IAE:
3 consecutive cycles : 2 cycles of 2 min each, followed by a 3rd cycle of 1 min .

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3 consecutive cycles : 2 cycles of 2 min each, followed by a 3rd cycle of 1 min .

Pause between start a empts : 15 s.
Cooling period, following 3 start a empts or 4 min of continuous cranking : 30 min.
No running engagement of the starter, when N2 is above 10 % on ground, and 18 % in ight.
Q38. What is an indication that the start sequence is complete?
A38. The following are the indications:

N1 about 21.4 %

N2 about 57.8 %

EPR about 1.01

EGT about 414 deg Celsius

FF about 350 kg/h

AVAIL indication is displayed

Grey background on N2 indication disappears.

Q39. If a thrust lever is set between two detents, what is the rating limit?
A39. When a thrust lever is set between two positions, the FADEC selects the rating limit
corresponding to the highest mode.
Q40. When is Continuous ignition provided automatically?
A40. Continuous ignition is provided automatically when:
EAI selected on
TOGA/FLEX Thrust selected
EIU data failed
Approach idle selected
In-Flight unscheduled sub-idle or surge
Master lever cycled from ON to OFF then back to ON.
Q41. On ground, a er engine start, how would the PF select continuous ignition on the
engine?
A41. On the ground a er the engine is started, because ignition cuts o automatically, the ight
crewmust switch the ENG MODE selector to NORM then back to IGN/START to turn on
continuousignition.
Q42. What is keep-out zone?

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Q42. What is keep-out zone?

A42. The range of N1 60-74 % is the Keep-out zone. When on ground at low speed (less than or
equal to M 0.1), the Electronic Engine Computer(EEC) protects against fan u er. In so doing, the
EEC prevents the engine from being stabilized in this zone.
Q43. What is RATED N1 Mode?
A43. If no EPR is available (either sensed or computed) the aected FADEC will automatically
revert toN1mode.An automatic reversion to rated N1 mode occurs in the event of loss of sensed
EPR. This occurswhen P2 (engine inlet total pressure) and/or P5 (LP turbine exit total pressure)
engine parameters are not available.
Q44. What are the indications if an engine goes to Rated N1 Mode?
A44. In the Rated N1 Mode, EPR indications are lost. N1 Mode indication is displayed in Blue on
E/WD. The N1 rating limit, corresponding to the thrust lever position, and the N1 thrust limit
modearedisplayed in blue.
Q45. What is UN-RATED N1 Mode?
A45. . If no EPR is available (either sensed or computed) the aected FADEC will automatically
revert to N1 mode.An automatic reversion to unrated N1 mode occurs in the event of loss of
computed EPR due tothe loss of T2 (engine inlet total air temperature) or ambient pressure (ambient
pressure enginesensor) engine parameters.
Q46. What are the indications if an engine goes to Un-Rated N1 Mode?
A46. In the Un-Rated N1 Mode, the N1 rating limit, N1 TLA and maximum N1 indications on
ECAM E/WD are lost.
Q47. How is Unrated N1 mode identied to the crew on ECAM?
A47. In the Un-Rated N1 Mode, the N1 rating limit, N1 TLA and maximum N1 indications on
ECAM E/WD are lost
Q48. What is LVR ASYM?
A48. When one thrust lever is in the CL detent and the other one out of detent, the LVR
ASYMamber message comes up on the FMA until both levers are set in the CL detent (only with
both engines operative).
Q49. What is LVR CLB? LVR MCT?
A49. LVR CLB: Flashes white (3rd line on the FMA) if the thrust levers are not in CL position while
the aircra is above the altitude of thrust reduction with both engines running.
LVR MCT: Flashes white (3rd line on the FMA) if the thrust levers are not in MCT position
a er an engine failure (with speed above green dot).
Q50. What do you mean by Modulated Idle?
A50. Modulated idle

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A50. Modulated idle

- Is regulated according to:
Bleed system demand
Ambient conditions
- Is selected:
In ight, when the aps are retracted (FLAPS lever at zero position)
On ground, provided reverse is not selected.
Q51. What do you mean by Approach Idle?
A51. Approach idle
- Is regulated according to aircra altitude, regardless of bleed system demand.
- Is selected in ight, when the aps are extended (FLAPS lever not at zero position)
- Allows the engine to accelerate rapidly from idle to go-around thrust.
Q52. How the thrust is controlled
a) When A/THR active?
b) When A/THR is just armed and not active?
A52. Thrust control:
(a)
When A/THR active: In the auto thrust mode (A/THR function active), the FMGC computes
the thrust, which is limited tothe value corresponding to the thrust lever position (unless the alphaoor mode is activated).
(a) When A/THR is just armed and not active: In these conditions, each engine is controlled by the
position of its thrust lever. The pilot controls thrust by moving the thrust lever between IDLE and
TOGA positions. Each positionof the thrust lever within these limits corresponds to an EPR.
Q53. Is there a mechanical connection between the thrust levers and the engines?
A53. No.
Q54. Which igniters are working when performing a manual start of an engine?
A54. Both.
Q55. Before starting the engine, THRUST LEVERs have to be at IDLE.
If THR LEVERS are not at idle, what will happen?

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A55. Engines will start, regardless of the thrust lever position; thrust will rapidly increase to the

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A55. Engines will start, regardless of the thrust lever position; thrust will rapidly increase to the
corresponding thrust lever position, causing a hazardous situation, if thrust levers are not at IDLE.
Moreover, an ENG START FAULT ECAM warning will be triggered.
Q56. If no FLEX TEMP is set, then only TO/GA power can be selected?
A56. Yes.
Q57. If the thrust levers are set in the idle detent, is Alpha oor protection still available?
A57. Yes.
Q58. When will N1 indication pulse red?
A58. It pulses red, when N1 is above 100 %.
Q59. You are just about to take o. You have not inserted a FLEX temperature. Can you
still takeo? How?
A59. Yes, by selecting TO/GA power.
Q60. What happens if you hold the instinctive disconnect push bu ons for more than
een seconds on THR LEVERS?
A60. If the ight crew pushes and holds one instinctive disconnect p/b for more than15 s, the
A/THR system is disconnected for the remainder of the ight. All A/THRfunctions including
ALPHA FLOOR are lost, and they can be recovered only at thenext FMGC power-up (on ground).
Q61. What is the minimum oil quantity for dispatch?
A61. 11 qt + estimated consumption (average estimated consumption approx. 0.3 qt/h).
Q62. What is the oil pressure limitation on an engine?
A62. The minimum oil pressure limit is 60 psi. The digital oil pressure indication pulses, if the oil
pressure exceeds 390 PSI (increasing), or 386 PSI(decreasing).
Q63. What are the oil temp limitations?
A63. Oil temp. Limitations:
(a) Min. prior to exceeding idle : -10 degree Celsius
(b) Min. prior to T/O

: 50 degree Celsius

(c) Max continuous temp

: 155 degree Celsius

(d) Max transient temp

: 165 degree Celsius

(e) Min starting temp

: -40 degree Celsius

Q64. What are the EGT limitations of an engine?

A64. EGT Limitations:

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A64. EGT Limitations:

TOGA : 635 degree Celsius
MCT

: 610 degree Celsius

Starting : 635 degree Celsius

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thoughts on POWER PLANT (IAE)

1. Gamble Tenpenny
said:
January 24, 2014 at 2:11 pm
Q36) Procedure given in A36 is for CFM and not IAE.
In case of IAE, When N2 reaches the maximum motoring speed (minimum 15 %) and 30 sec
(V2500 A5) / 50 sec (V2500) a er selection of the MAN START pushbu on : Master Sw ON.
At 43% N2 start valve closes, ignition o
Q37) Limitation given in A37 are for CFM.
For IAE
3 consecutive cycles : 2 cycles of 2 min each, followed by a 3rd cycle of 1 min .
Pause between start a empts : 15 s.

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Pause between start a empts : 15 s.

Cooling period, following 3 start a empts or 4 min of continuous cranking : 30 min .
No running engagement of the starter, when N2 is above 10 % on ground, and 18 % in ight.
REPLY
said:theyingengineer
January 25, 2014 at 8:12 am
Gamble, we thank you for bringing to our notice the corrections. Corrections suggested by
you have been eected. We encourage more such corrections to help rene this Q-bank
REPLY
2. Ashish
said:
January 24, 2014 at 3:31 pm
Good compilation !!
REPLY
3. Juha
said:
June 4, 2014 at 11:19 am
When does EEC changes channel?
REPLY
said:SANDEEP
October 9, 2015 at 6:23 pm
CHANNEL CHANGE IS DECIDED WITHIN TH EEC.THE MOST HEALTHY WILL BE
IN COMMAND
REPLY
4. mohammed sherif
said:
August 21, 2014 at 9:14 pm
FADEC self sustained at N2 12% NOT 10%
REPLY
5. Franz Sturmeir
said:
December 6, 2014 at 9:39 am
Please explain the weight penalty in Go-Around in N1 Mode..thank you

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Please explain the weight penalty in Go-Around in N1 Mode..thank you

REPLY
6. Kevin
said:
December 17, 2014 at 7:19 am
When ignition continuous start is engaged automatically (as by EAI) is there some indication to
the crew and if so where would this appear?
REPLY
said:SANDEEP
October 9, 2015 at 6:25 pm
ON EWD PAGE IGNITION IGN A+B
REPLY
7. sami haider
said:
December 27, 2014 at 11:55 am
normal shutdown procedure
REPLY
8. Anish mehta
said:
August 14, 2015 at 8:39 am
Could you explain what does the Start Valve really do?
Like in case of Lo Start Air Pressure fault how will a manual start really help?
REPLY
said:SANDEEP
October 10, 2015 at 12:25 am
START VALVE OPENS THE PNEUMATIC SUPPLY TO STARTER,WITH THIS
PNEUMATIC SUPPLY STARTER DRIVES THE HP TURBINE(WHICH IN TURN TURNS
HP ROTOR i.e N2.
IN CASE OF LO START AIR PRESSURE FAULT WE NEED TO CHECK AIR
PRESSURE/PNEUMATIC SUPPLY COMING FROM APU OR OTHER ENG ,IF NOT
SUFFICIENT NEED TO CONNECT GROUND CART FOR AIR SUPPLY.
IF ITS STARTER VALVE FAULT : STARTER VALVE CAN BE OPENED MANUALLY ON
ENG WHILE SELECTING MASTER SWITCH ON AND AFTER N2 43% STARTER VALVE
SHOULD BE CLOSED MANUALLY .
REPLY
9. Ali

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9. Ali
said:
April 14, 2016 at 11:13 am
Excellent site
REPLY

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