In flight, what is the crank cycle for start #1 and for starts 2 through 5?

• A. Start #1: 120 seconds on, 10 seconds off; Start 2-5: 60 seconds on, 5 minutes off
• B. Start #1: 60 seconds on, 10 seconds off; Start 2-5: 120 seconds on, 5 minutes off
• C. Start #1: 120 seconds on, 5 minutes off; Start 2-5: 60 seconds on, 10 seconds off
• D. Start #1: 60 seconds on, 5 minutes off; Start 2-5: 60 seconds on, 5 minutes off

Answer: (A)

The thing being tested is how the engine starter is used without overheating it or the electrical system, by using a defined crank cycle with on and off times. The first start is given a longer continuous crank (120 seconds) to give the engine a strong initial rotation, especially if it’s cold or flooded and needs more effort to reach the point where fuel, ignition, and oil pressure can take over. A short 10-second rest after that keeps the system from staying energized too long and allows a quick check of the start condition.

If that first attempt doesn’t bring the engine to life, the subsequent starts are done with shorter cranking times (60 seconds) but with a lengthy cooling period between tries (5 minutes). This protects the starter motor and the electrical system from overheating and gives the battery time to recover, while still keeping the chance to start the engine in a controlled, safe sequence.

So the pattern of a long initial crank with a brief pause, followed by shorter cranks with long cooldowns between attempts, best fits the standard starter duty-cycle approach, which is why that option is correct.