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Crossbleed Engine Start

Overview

This procedure is used when a normal APU Bleed start is not possible, usually due to the APU being inoperative.

It may be prudent to inform ATC that you will be performing a crossbleed start, as the procedures and process may take longer than a normal start and carry certain risks both to the ground crew and the airport infrastructure.

Realistic Situations

It is important to note that crossbleed engine starts should not be performed under the following conditions in real life:

  • During pushback operations
  • Situations where the thrust of the engine would endanger life or property

Procedure

To explain this procedure, we will assume that ENG 1 is running, and the flight crew will start ENG 2 using the crossbleed procedure.

Initial State

Before using this procedure ensure:

  • One engine should already be started and AVAIL. This allows the bleed air from the running engine to be used to start the other engine.
  • APU BLEED - OFF
  • ENG MODE - NORM

crossbleed1.png

Currently, the A32NX does not have the capability to air start the engines. This procedure is included for completeness and will be updated when the feature is implemented.

For now, you would have to start a single engine normally (APU ON and APU BLEED ON) before carrying on with a crossbleed start.

Overhead Bleeds Configuration

ENG BLEED for the receiving engine needs to be switched OFF. This is to prevent the bleed air from the running engine from escaping through the receiving engine (reverse flow leakage).

The X BLEED VALVE should be switched to the OPEN position.

Ensure that ENG 2 BLEED is OFF for this sample procedure.

crossbleed2.png

Engine Start

  1. Begin by verifying the bleed page on the upper ECAM display.

    • Crucially, that the bleeds on both sides are connected via the X BLEED valve and that the ENG 2 BLEED valve is closed (indicated by the amber line above IP for ENGINE 2).

    bleeds-page.png

  2. Deselect the Bleeds page and turn the ENG MODE to IGN/START.

    • This should display the ENGINE page on the upper ECAM display.

    engines-page.png

  3. Ensure that the IGN Bleed PSI for ENG 2 is at or above 30 PSI before attempting to start the engine.

    • It is not unusual on the NEO to see the pressure be at or above 30 PSI at IDLE power. If the pressure is below 30 PSI, increase the thrust of the running engine.

  4. Switch ENG MASTER 2 to the ON position. Maintain at least 25 PSI during the entire start procedure.

    engine-page-start.png

It is common to lose pressure during the start sequence. Advance the THR LEVERS of the supplying engine (ENG 1 in this scenario) to maintain at least 25 PSI.

If thrust required approaches 40 % N1 to maintain at least 25 PSI, ensure the surrounding area continues to be clear of obstructions. If you exceed 40 % N1 there maybe issues with your configuration and consider aborting the procedure.

The engine should start normally if you have followed the procedure correctly.

After Start

Once both engines are started, ensure the following in order:

  1. Set ENG 1 thrust lever to IDLE
  2. Turn the X BLEED switch on the overhead panel back to AUTO
  3. Turn ENG 2 BLEED switch back to ON
  4. Continue your regular flows and procedures before taxi out
Last update: September 11, 2023