How exactly does one restart inflight?

[FORANE]

I have read reports of in-flight engine failure where the pilot was unaware of the failure (at least initially until the black lever failed to increase thrust) due to a combination of factors such as windmilling prop, lack of annunciators, pilot distraction associated with landing, etc.

So, if the engine stops and the prop is still windmilling, what exactly is the restart procedure? If the mags are still hot (check for mags on both), just supply fuel and it should restart on its own, correct? Set mixture appropriate for altitude? So one would turn on fuel pumps (if present) and check (possibly change) tanks, what else? What if your plane has electronic ignition; any changes with that?

 

[Geico266]

You know instantly that the engine stops making power. . Ask me how I know.

 

[timwinters]

You know instantly that the engine stops making power. . Ask me how I know.

Yes...

...including part two.

 

[kyleb]

I have read reports of in-flight engine failure where the pilot was unaware of the failure (at least initially until the black lever failed to increase thrust) due to a combination of factors such as windmilling prop, lack of annunciators, pilot distraction associated with landing, etc.

So, if the engine stops and the prop is still windmilling, what exactly is the restart procedure? If the mags are still hot (check for mags on both), just supply fuel and it should restart on its own, correct? Set mixture appropriate for altitude? So one would turn on fuel pumps (if present) and check (possibly change) tanks, what else? What if your plane has electronic ignition; any changes with that?

Check mixture, switch tanks, fuel pump on, if you're pulling zero or negative g's, stop that. ;-)

 

[MAKG1]

Read your POH. It's in there.

 

[flav8r]

Rebooting works for me!

 

[Gadgetman]

Check mixture, switch tanks, fuel pump on, if you're pulling zero or negative g's, stop that. ;-)

First! BEST Glide, also Carb Heat ON and Magneto's ON/Both...

 

[Silvaire]

This is gonna get posted sooner or later, may as well get it over with :wink2:

 

[FORANE]

First! BEST Glide, also Carb Heat ON and Magneto's ON/Both...

Well I know my best glide right off...104 knots.

This is gonna get posted sooner or later, may as well get it over with :wink2:

Is that guy hand propping? Just not fair he can get out like that and I cannot.

You know instantly that the engine stops making power. . Ask me how I know.

Did you read the firsthand report from the pilot of the RV 6A that went down into a soccer field?
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=97713&page=2

I have lost a cylinder in-flight and knew instantly, but at idle power approaching to land I could understand not immediately recognizing a stalled motor with windmilling prop.

 

[poadeleted20]

Read your POH. It's in there.

Exactly. No one single procedure -- the answer may be different for different aircraft.

 

[geneseib]

Exactly. No one single procedure -- the answer may be different for different aircraft.

I seem to remember a Cessna POH that said not to use the starter above 10,000 feet.

 

[FORANE]

Read your POH. It's in there.

Indeed it is, but fairly rudimentary. The experimentals (as I have) POH tend to be a little less documented or specific. For example, I have little to no guidance on density altitude performance data.

I seem to remember a Cessna POH that said not to use the starter above 10,000 feet.

That's interesting. Wonder why that would be the case.

 

[Clark1961]

I seem to remember a Cessna POH that said not to use the starter above 10,000 feet.

Maybe better shouldn't park that Cessna at the self-serve pumps at LXV...

 

[alfadog]

"Funny" story with the Luscombe I fly. First off, it has no starter and you hand prop it to start. So this gal that owned it before the present owner was learning to fly from the same guy that did my tailwheel endorsement. Engine quit in flight at 1000' feet or so. Unknown reason. Did not immediately restart so the CFI points it steeply down, restarts the engine, and recovers from the dive. They land, gal gets out, sells the airplane at a loss.

 

[alfadog]

Maybe better shouldn't park that Cessna at the self-serve pumps at LXV...

At least not in the summer.

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

First! BEST Glide, also Carb Heat ON and Magneto's ON/Both...

That's the "official" procedure.

But if it's a carb ice issue, dinking around letting things cool down is a good way to make sure that you can't get it running again. And if pulling carb heat fixes it, then you are good to go and there is no need to put it in a field.

Carb heat, switch tanks, fuel boost if you have it (takes less time to do than to read) - you can pull at the same time if you want. If it still seems dead, you can slow down and pick a place to land nearby. Yes, you may have lost 100 yards or so of gliding distance. Now you can play with mags and throttle just for the fun of it.


But, that's not the official FAA book procedure which seems to be based on the assumption that you are not going to get it back.

 

[Captain]

Turn the motor, ensure fuel, spark and air are there and it works.

Turn the motor: the normal way or windmill it...consult the POH
Fuel: switch tanks, boost pumps...consult the POH
Spark: magnitos or ignitors...consult the POH
Air: Carb heat, cowl anti ice...consult the POH

 

[poadeleted20]

Indeed it is, but fairly rudimentary. The experimentals (as I have) POH tend to be a little less documented or specific.

With E-AB's, you are always a test pilot. Only way to find out for sure is to try it, although you could inquire of others with the same model aircraft and propulsion package for some guidance. Beyond that, you're on your own.

 

[FORANE]

With E-AB's, you are always a test pilot. Only way to find out for sure is to try it, although you could inquire of others with the same model aircraft and propulsion package for some guidance. Beyond that, you're on your own.

Don't I know it. I had no idea of this before buying this plane and I did not fully appreciate this before owning it for a few hundred hours.

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

With E-AB's, you are always a test pilot. Only way to find out for sure is to try it, although you could inquire of others with the same model aircraft and propulsion package for some guidance. Beyond that, you're on your own.

It's not rocket science.

 

[Captain]

This is gonna get posted sooner or later, may as well get it over with :wink2:

This is true...before you EVER attempt to restart an engine, be sure to check the oil level!