Engine fires really scare me. Especially since I don't have a warrantee. I asked a very experienced turbine operator about them and precautions to take to avoid them. To summarize my answer, he basically said you really have to screw up BAD for one to occur. Initially I thought they just happen every so often, regardless of hoe careful the user is.

I had an experience one the 3rd start on my falcon saturday. At first I was not getting any ignition, I was informed that I didn't have enough gas in the tank. That combined with the OAT in the 20's made for weak starting pressure. After I figured that out my next attempt achieved ignition but went out on "weak gas" I don't remember if that was during the preheat or ramp phase. I'm sure you guys would know. I guess it must have pumped some kero during that event because the next start produced a foot long flame, which went out before reaching an idle. I had 3 or 4 starts after that, all normal.

So as I understand from personal experience, overpriming or a shutdown during the fuelramp can leave kero inside the can. I would assume these 2 things are responsible for most fires/hot starts. Is there anything els that can cause a fire?

If one suspects there is fuel in the turbine what is a good protocol? Do you really tip the jet on its nose and run the starter?

Thanks so much, Pete