VLOG #2 | Cessna 414 Engine Start Technique | Fuel Considerations

Come along as I talk about fuel considerations and preflight items before a 1000nm trip in our Cessna 414AW. I'll also demonstrate the optimal technique for starting the Continental engines on the airplane, which have a reputation for being a bit temperamental to start, especially when they're warm.

[@cbooth721]

Here's a tip for you. After checking your "volts" to make sure you have a good battery, move your switch to "Batt" for the start up. If the reading goes to low amperage after start, no problem. If the reading stays high you have a hung up starter and you better shut down before any damage occurs. It is the only way to know if the starter is hung up as you can not hear it. I got this tip from my Simcom instructor. Happy flying!

[@s4aviator804]

Hey Steve. Funny you noticed that, because quite frankly I'm not sure why I didn't move it back to BATT. The way I do it is the way you described it, so why I did it differently on camera is a mystery to me! Cheers!

[@lutherlewis2638]

Another great informative video. Thank you.

[@Localmarketpac]

Excellent video. Nice to see a pilot who really understands how engines work.

[@s4aviator804]

Thanks! Take care of them and they'll take care of you!

[@pilotgirl5953]

Totally get it now. Had to watch a few times Less engine cranking for sure! 3 year old vid, but as you know I’m now searching for my 414A. So learning all I can and rewatching all. Always started my Baron (same basic engine) same way. Always started before third blade. Thx for posting

[@s4aviator804]

Thanks for watching Brenda!

[@dave991122]

Very good video, I'll be sure to watch the rest of them.

[@s4aviator804]

Thanks again, David! Be sure to subscribe to be notified when I upload new content.

[@BigWheelHawaii]

Great Video,,,,

[@GunsNHarleys]

Great video thanks for sharing!

[@s4aviator804]

You're welcome! Thanks for the comment!

[@dyllaf]

Awesome video. Looks as if you fit into the 414 like a glove! (metaphor).

[@notsoancientpelican]

Great job. You are to be envied.

[@Mika-dj4np]

i really love your videos

[@lancechute]

Thanks, I love this technique! works great on my 340. Could you do a video on doing a hot start?

[@Pilotman28]

start with mixture at ICO and it's the same.

[@MarekMarciniak]

nice video ! What's your favorite procedure for a hot start ?

[@pilotjoaoguilherme4791]

It's the same procedure, but the mixture must be cut off.

[@EricFlight]

Can you tell me what Vr is on the 414A? Know of anywhere I can get a free checklist? (flying on a simulator not real world)

[@s4aviator804]

Eric Flight we typically use 90 knots, 95 if it's hot or the airplane is a bit on the heavy side.

[@forrestgump02]

How well does that work with a hot start?

[@s4aviator804]

Hi Forrest. This technique only works when the engines are cold. If they're warm, being this aggressive with the primer will flood the engines, and you'll end up doing a flooded start instead. Continentals tend to be easier to flood than Lycomings, especially when they're hot. I contemplated making a video showing an engine start with warm engines, but decided it wasn't worth it because it's really not too atypical. Basically, you don't prime them, and crank the engine without the primer running. Sometimes just cranking them is all you need. That's usually sufficient if they've been shut down for less than 15 minutes. Sometimes they hesitate a bit, and a quick tap of the primer switch turns them right over. Tend to see that between 30-60 minutes of not running. The other times, when they've been shut down for an hour or more, you'll crank without the primer, and if it doesn't show any signs of coming to life after 4-5 seconds, hold the primer as you continue cranking.

[@pierce873]

How do you shut down the engines when you land or is it just pulling the mixture lever out

[@Pilotman28]

All engines I've ever flown behind (carbureted and injected) are stopped by pulling the mixture to idle-cut-off (ICO). No more fuel, no more fire.

[@adamlymer2269]

Curious on what your technique is for a hot start with the conti?

[@Pilotman28]

same technique but with the mixtures starting at idle. once the engine starts to cough like it wants to start then push the mixtures forward.

[@FlightSimXtreem]

I see S4 B8 3.0 :), I drive the old lady the S4 B5. Thing is harder to maintain than a GA plane.

[@vishe307]

Love the video, but that’s the worst possible order from Dunkin😂

[@evanpickering2782]

Is it possible to fly this plane alone with passengers?

[@evanpickering2782]

Or do u need two pilots to fly it?

[@amcconnell6730]

@@evanpickering2782 It's fine for single pilot, even usual for single pilot operations.