Originally Posted by
wingisland
I was wondering if someone could explain to me how you start a turbine engine (eg the ever popular PT-6) and how (indeed IF) it differs from starting a turbo fan such as on 737.
Don't know about the modern 737's but there are some similarities between starts on the PT-6(at least older versions) and the old 737's even though one is using an electric starter while the latter uses an air starter.
The similarities are that if you have enough starting power(psi of air pressure or electrical power) engaging the starter and then normally waiting until getting a stable and steady rpm, then and only if you have the required minimum rpm, selecting fuel on and holding the fuel lever until it is certain that there are no exceedences and that the start is normal. As well, releasing the start switch at the appropriate time. Many minor differences though.