Definition
The act of activating the electric starter motor so that it mechanically connects to and turns the engine's crankshaft, rotating the engine fast enough to allow it to start.
Plain English
The moment you turn the key (or push the button) and the starter motor takes hold of the engine and begins spinning it over.
Context Anchor
Encountered during engine-start procedures, especially when the pilot holds the start switch and then releases it after the engine starts.
Derivation
"Engagement" comes from the Old French engager, meaning to bind or commit. Here it describes the starter physically locking onto the engine's flywheel or ring gear so it can turn the crankshaft. Once the engine fires, the starter disengages.
Why Pilots Care
Correct starter engagement produces reliable starts while preventing damage to the starter, ring gear, or engine from grinding or incomplete contact.
Intuition Check
Engagement does not mean attention or commitment here. It means the starter is connected to the engine and is turning it.
Example Sentence 1
After priming and setting the throttle, the pilot called "clear prop" and initiated starter engagement.
Example Sentence 2
In cold weather the pilot primed the engine again after a slow starter engagement to ensure a smooth start.