Airbus IAE Engines oil pressure on start
 

I have just discovered that the FADEC (which will initiate the abort of an auto start) does not monitor oil pressure on start.

I believe that the engine oil low pressure ECAM is inhibited until after the start of the first engine.

Does this mean that the pilot must monitor oil pressure on start and initiate the abort if no rise in oil pressure (certain value) after a certain time ?

In other turbines I have flown, you watched it closely on start and this was one of the many reasons to abort the start.

I can't find any information in the manual regarding this regarding this matter for an Airbus.

CFM 56 on 737 requires monitoring until engine is stable. If no oil pressure by stable, then shutdown required. I guess the IAE logic is the same.

Those familiar with these engines will know that, more often than not, the oil pressure indication does not rise out of the "Low Oil Press zone" until after engine has started/50 %. After all, that is the time to be concerned, when the engine is actually running and self sustaining.

As long as the pressure is rising during the start sequence there is no cause for concern. To the "Old school" among us, Me, the observation during the start sequence goes; Start valve open - N2 - Ignition - Fuel flow- Light off - N1 - Oil pressure.

So, to answer your question, No you do not have to but not a bad idea. At least you are ready for a warning if the pressure does no finally come up.

So does that mean just start the engine and wait for the "ENG 1(2) OIL LO PR" ECAM to appear after start until you take action ?

I watch to see -some- oil pressure rise.

As long as it moves up, even a little, I'm OK to watch and wait until the start completes.

If I see 0 oil pressure by lightoff, I'll abort the start.

If the Low Oil Pressure ECAM comes on after start, then I'll follow ECAM.

I've been doing this for 16 years on IAE 320/319s, and it's worked so far. I've had only 1 start abort related to oil. The ECAM low oil pressure warning came on after start, but the oil pressure indication on the Engine page showed oil pressure.

I shut it down and went back to the gate.