An In-Depth Guide Into How Jet Engines Start Up

Jet engines start up in a way that is similar to a windmill.

To understand how planes fire up, you have to dive down into the jet engine. Now, gas turbine engines come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The hot gases that are produced via the burning fuel drives works exactly in the same way as a windmill does. The vanes that are connected to the shaft and spins the compressor. Another similar type of gas turbine engine, which is popular in helicopters, has only one set of vanes that drive the compressor – as well as separate vanes that drive the output shaft. Both of these engines there must be a main shaft that spins the engine. Without this, there would be no power production. Typically, aircraft maintenance equipment is used to get the jet engine started.

The Startup Process

The starting process typically uses an electric motor to spin the turbine shaft. This motor is normally bolted on the exterior of the engine and utilizes both gears and shafts to connect to the main shaft. Then, the electric motor will spin the main shaft until there is a large amount of air that is blowing through the compressor and combustion chamber – to light the engine. Fuel will then begin to pump out and an igniter will then ignite the fuel. This flow is increased to spin the engine up to optimal speed. A lithium aircraft starter can also be used in situations where there isn’t enough power. You might notice at airports that the blades will start slowly and work it’s way fast enough to carry the plane in motion.

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