Definition
The procedure of attempting to restore power to an engine that has stopped running while the aircraft is airborne, typically by re-establishing fuel flow, ignition, and proper engine configuration in flight. In single-engine aircraft, a successful restart converts an emergency landing situation into a normal flight; in multi-engine aircraft, it restores lost performance and redundancy.
Plain English
Trying to start an engine again after it has quit while you are still flying. The pilot follows a checklist to get fuel, spark, and air working together so the engine catches and runs again.
Context Anchor
Encountered in emergency procedures training after a loss of engine power in flight, especially when practicing or reviewing what to do before committing to a landing without engine power.
Why Pilots Care
Successful inflight restarting can prevent a forced landing and allow the flight to continue safely to an airport.
Grounding Statement
The pilot is trying to bring the engine back to life while still controlling the aircraft and keeping a landing plan ready.
Intuition Check
Do not assume inflight engine restarting is just like starting the engine on the ground. In flight, the pilot must keep flying the aircraft, follow the checklist, and be ready to land if the engine does not restart.
Example Sentence 1
After the engine quit at cruise, the pilot ran the inflight engine restarting checklist and the engine caught on the second attempt.
Example Sentence 2
The instructor demonstrated inflight engine restarting by clearing the propeller and applying the starter at the proper altitude during a practice emergency descent.