Definition
An engine start sequence that is intentionally stopped before the engine reaches stable idle, because a parameter has gone outside acceptable limits or an abnormal indication has appeared. The fuel is cut off and the start is discontinued so the engine can be inspected or motored to clear residual fuel before another attempt is made.
Plain English
A start that the pilot deliberately stops part-way through because something looks wrong. Fuel is shut off and the engine is allowed to wind down so the problem can be checked before trying again.
Context Anchor
Seen in engine-start checklists, cockpit procedures, and maintenance discussions, especially with turbine aircraft.
Derivation
From the Latin 'abortus,' meaning to fail or to be cut short before completion. In aviation, the word is used the same way it is in 'aborted takeoff' — a planned action stopped on purpose before it finishes.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents engine damage from conditions such as hot starts or hung starts.
Intuition Check
Aborted start does not mean an aborted takeoff. It means stopping the engine-start process before the engine is normally running.
Example Sentence 1
When the exhaust gas temperature climbed toward the limit during light-off, the pilot aborted the start and shut off the fuel.
Example Sentence 2
After clearing the fuel, the crew performed a second start that did not require aborting.