AS355 F1 starting procedure
 

Hello fellow rotorheads,

I started flying the As355F2 (new to type) and I wondered how you guys start them.
Checklist and Phil Croucher (excellent book and the 350/355 series) say that you should start engine 1 and put it to flight idle before starting engine 2. But my fellow pilots in the company, start them one after another (obviously!), put them both to ground idle and then advance both engines to flight idle simultaneously.
Any advice on why you shouldn't stick with the manufacturers' procedure?

Thanks

Ec145 pilot

My 2 CFP/XPF.

It's been a while but consider the following:

It depends on your thoughts about the second engine that is started and the re-engagement of the freewheel unit.

If the first engine is at IDLE the re-engagement is a little more severe than if at FLIGHT. You will feel it.

I know that for many many years the operation of IDLE to IDLE has been done to no apparent issue but hey......................

There was an issue with freewheel units a few years back so be kind to them and operate IAW the RFM.

AS355F, G-XCEL

Be aware if you ever go back to an F or F1 depending on the MOD STATUS they don't like cross-generator starts! The F2 has a current limiter at least.