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First action for a fire during turbine engine start

Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP) practice question 2 of 13 on Turbine Engines. ACS element AM.III.B.R2 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA fire warning light illuminates while a turbine engine is being started on the ground. What action should be taken first?

  1. ADischarge CO2 into the engine exhaust tailpipe
  2. BMove the fuel shutoff lever to the off position
  3. CAdvance the throttle to blow the fire out the rear
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Move the fuel shutoff lever to the off position

  • A — incorrect CO2 must not be discharged directly into the engine exhaust because it may damage the engine; if the fire persists, CO2 goes into the inlet duct while the engine is cranked.
  • B — correct If an engine fire occurs or the fire warning light illuminates during the starting cycle, the fuel shutoff lever is moved to off, and cranking is continued until the fire has been expelled.
  • C — incorrect Adding power adds fuel; the correct response is to cut the fuel supply and keep motoring the engine with the starter.

BACKGROUND

Engine fires during the starting cycle are handled by removing the fuel and continuing to move air through the engine. The fuel shutoff lever is placed in the off position, and the engine is cranked or motored until the fire has been expelled from the engine. If the fire persists, carbon dioxide can be discharged into the inlet duct while the engine is being cranked, but never directly into the engine exhaust, which may damage the engine. If the fire is on the ground under the engine overboard drain, or at the tailpipe where fuel is dripping and burning on the ground, the CO2 is discharged on the ground rather than on the engine. If the fire cannot be extinguished, all switches are secured and the aircraft is evacuated.

STUDY TIP

Fix the order in mind: fuel off, keep cranking, then CO2 into the inlet if needed. Never aim an extinguishing agent into the tailpipe of a turbine engine.

KEY POINTS

  • On a start fire or fire warning, move the fuel shutoff lever to off first.
  • Continue cranking or motoring until the fire is expelled from the engine.
  • If the fire persists, discharge CO2 into the inlet duct, never into the exhaust.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-32B ch10 "Ground Operation Engine Fire"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP) test →Timed 100-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON TURBINE ENGINES

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-32B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Powerplant, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.