Before starting an engine, what should you inspect for objects and debris?

Before starting an engine, what should you inspect for objects and debris?

• A. The air inlet and ground in front of and below the engine for objects and debris.
• B. The cabin air filter.
• C. The wing leading edge.
• D. The tailcone area.

Answer: (A)

Before starting, make sure the engine’s air inlet and the ground in front of and below the engine are clear of objects. Debris, tools, rags, ice, or animals can be sucked into the intake and cause foreign object damage, compressor stall, or engine flameout. Keep the inlet unobstructed and verify there are no loose items nearby that could be ingested. The other areas mentioned aren’t the immediate concern for engine start safety: they’re not in the path of intake airflow and don’t pose the same ingestion risk.

Before starting, make sure the engine’s air inlet and the ground in front of and below the engine are clear of objects. Debris, tools, rags, ice, or animals can be sucked into the intake and cause foreign object damage, compressor stall, or engine flameout. Keep the inlet unobstructed and verify there are no loose items nearby that could be ingested. The other areas mentioned aren’t the immediate concern for engine start safety: they’re not in the path of intake airflow and don’t pose the same ingestion risk.