Airman Certification Standards
ACS AA.II.B
Powerplant Start
Knowledge
Normal and abnormal powerplant start procedures and limitations, including the use of an auxiliary power unit (APU) or external power source, if applicable.
Starting under various conditions.
Malfunctions during powerplant start, procedures to address the malfunction, and any associated limitations.
Coordinating and communicating with ground personnel for powerplant start, if applicable.
Risk Management
Malfunctions during powerplant start.
Propeller and turbine powerplant safety.
Managing situations where specific instructions or checklist items are not published.
Personnel, vehicles, vessels, foreign object debris, and other aircraft in the vicinity during powerplant start.
Skill
Ensure the ground safety procedures are followed during the before-start, start, and after-start phases.
Use appropriate ground crew personnel during the start procedures (if applicable). 14
Coordinate with crew, if applicable, and complete the appropriate checklist(s) prior to and after powerplant start.
Respond appropriately to an abnormal start or malfunction.
Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 17, 2026.