AMT720: Gas

Turbine Engines’
Systems
Objectives
Types of Turbine Engine Ignition Systems

Almost all modern ignition systems produce high-energy sparks by

storing high- voltage electrical energy in a capacitor and discharging
it across the electrodes in the igniters.

There are two types of high-energy, or capacitor-discharge ignition

systems:

• low-voltage systems with about 1,000 volts at the igniters.

• high-voltage systems with an output of more than 5,000 volts. Both

may be AC or DC
 Safety issues
associated with One of the most important safety rules is to
starting and ensure there is no one near the propeller prior
to starting the engine.
ignition systems

During Turbo Prop Engines

starting: The wheels should be chocked and the brakes
set to avoid hazards caused by unintentional
movement.

To avoid damage to the propeller and

property, the aircraft should be in an area
where the propeller will not stir up gravel or
dust.
Safety issues
associated with
starting and
ignition systems Turbine engine ignition systems

Turbine engine ignition systems require special

handling by the technician to assure the safety of
maintenance personnel and to prevent damage to the
engine systems. These "high intensity" ignition systems
are capable of a lethal charge of electricity, and their
handling should be "dead serious".
Safety issues Ensure that the ignition switch is off before performing any maintenance on the
associated with systems. Some systems have a time requirement before the system is safe to work on.

starting and
ignition systems
To remove an igniter plug, disconnect the transformer input lead, wait the time
prescribed by the manufacturer, and then disconnect the igniter lead and ground the
center electrode to the engine. The igniter lead and plugs are now safe to remove.

Exercise great caution in handling damaged transformer units. Some contain

radioactive material on the air gap points. This is used to calibrate the discharge point to
a preset voltage.

Ensure proper disposal of unserviceable igniter plugs. The materials used in their
manufacture may require special handling.
Before a firing test of igniters is performed, ensure that the combustor is not fuel
wetted, to prevent fire or explosion.
Background
Maintenance practices associated with starting and ignition systems

Actvity: Air Turbine Starter Troubleshooting:

Publication resources used in this activity is “CM-AEN720-

AMT720-Gas Turbine Engine systems” instead of the
Original AMM & Engine Maintenace Manual.

Your team is tasked with troubleshooting the reported

defect in the Air Turbine Starter.