Definition
A cockpit indicator light that illuminates whenever the engine starter is mechanically engaged with the engine. It remains lit while the starter is turning the engine and should extinguish as soon as the starter disengages after the engine starts.
Plain English
A warning light that tells the pilot the starter motor is still connected to the engine. If it stays on after the engine has started, the starter is still being driven by the engine, which can damage it.
Context Anchor
Seen during engine starting and immediately after the engine begins running, especially while checking that the starter has released normally.
Why Pilots Care
The light reminds the pilot to release the start switch promptly so the starter motor does not overheat or suffer damage from prolonged use.
Analogy
It is like holding a car key in the START position after the engine has already started. The engine is running, but the starter is still being forced to work.
Intuition Check
Do not read “engaged” as simply “in use” or “available.” Here it means the starter is still connected to the engine or still being powered when it should have disconnected.
Example Sentence 1
After the engine caught, the pilot glanced at the starter engaged warning light and confirmed it had gone out.
Example Sentence 2
Once the engine fired, the starter engaged warning light went out, confirming the starter had stopped.