SkyDrill

Starter duty cycle after one minute of cranking

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 25 of 26 on Ground Operations and Servicing. ACS element AM.I.F.K5 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA mechanic has cranked a reciprocating engine continuously with the electric starter for 1 minute without a start. Before the next attempt, the mechanic should

  1. Await 30 seconds, then crank for up to 2 minutes.
  2. Bcontinue cranking for 1 more minute with the mixture full rich.
  3. Callow 3 to 5 minutes for the starter to cool.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. allow 3 to 5 minutes for the starter to cool.

  • A — incorrect Neither figure matches the handbook: cranking is limited to 1 minute, and the cooling period is 3 to 5 minutes.
  • B — incorrect Continuing past the 1-minute limit without a cooling period risks burning out the starter from overheating.
  • C — correct The handbook limits continuous cranking to 1 minute and calls for a 3- to 5-minute cooling period between attempts so the starter is not burned out by overheating.

BACKGROUND

The reciprocating engine starting procedure in the handbook includes a starter duty cycle. The starter is not to be cranked continuously for more than 1 minute, and a 3- to 5-minute cooling period is allowed between successive attempts. Ignoring the duty cycle can burn out the starter due to overheating. The same idea applies to turbine engines, where the handbook says to always observe the starter duty cycle to avoid overheating and damaging the starter.

STUDY TIP

Pair the two numbers: 1 minute maximum cranking, then 3 to 5 minutes of cooling before trying again.

KEY POINTS

  • Do not crank continuously for more than 1 minute.
  • Allow a 3- to 5-minute cooling period between start attempts.
  • Exceeding the duty cycle can burn out the starter.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch01 "Reciprocating Engines" (starting procedure, step 6)
Practice the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON GROUND OPERATIONS AND SERVICING

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.