Definition
An engine start in which the turbine inlet temperature (TIT) or exhaust gas temperature (EGT) exceeds the manufacturer's specified limit during the start sequence. A hot start is caused by an excessive fuel-to-air ratio at ignition, typically resulting from too much fuel, insufficient airflow from the starter, or weak engine RPM acceleration. If allowed to continue, a hot start can damage turbine components and require an engine inspection or overhaul.
Plain English
A hot start is when a turbine engine gets too hot during startup because there's too much fuel and not enough air being moved through the engine. The temperature climbs past the safe limit and can damage the engine if the start isn't aborted quickly.
Context Anchor
Encountered during turboprop engine starting, especially when monitoring engine temperature and starter performance.
Derivation
Plain English. 'Hot' refers to the over-temperature condition; 'start' refers to the engine start sequence. The phrase simply names the problem: a start that ran too hot.
Why Pilots Care
A hot start can damage turbine blades and other hot-section components, often requiring an inspection or engine removal.
Grounding Statement
The key point is that the problem happens during the start, while the engine is still depending on the starter to move enough air through it.
Intuition Check
A hot start does not mean starting the airplane on a hot day or starting an already-warm engine. It means the engine temperature during start goes above the allowed limit.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot watched the TIT carefully during start and was ready to cut the fuel if a hot start began to develop.
Example Sentence 2
After a hot start the maintenance crew performed a borescope inspection before the next flight.