Corporate Jet Engine Essay

The Cessna Citation X corporate jet is equipped with two Rolls-Royce AE 3007C engines capable of producing over 6,400 lbf of thrust each, they propel the Citation X to a maximum speed equal to 92% of the speed of sound at altitude (.92 MACH). While these engines are extremely powerful, have amazing reliability, and operate in environmental extremes. The steps required to start, operate, and shutdown the Rolls-Royce AE 3007C Turbojet engine are relatively simple.

Before starting the engines several things must be determined, first what is the reason to operate the engine, if its for flight an appropriately rated pilot must be the operator, if however, the need is due to maintenance a mechanic may operate the engines, but should be familiar with the operating procedures and limitations in the aircrafts flight manual in addition to any requirements listed in the maintenance manuals. All operators must be aware of all potential emergencies and be acquainted with the emergency procedures to ensure the safety of personnel and the aircraft. The
first step to starting the engines involves completing the preflight checklist for the aircraft even if it will not actually fly, as it ensures the aircraft is ready to operate.

Starting the engines is a very simple process and is done after completing the “Before Start” checklist, the operator will note the starting air pressure provided by the auxiliary power plant that was started as part of the before start check list. Once noted and being above the minimum pressure, the operator begins the start sequence by pressing the right engine start button, an initial drop in air pressure will be noted, and the N2 or engine core indicator will begin to increase. At approximately 8% N2 rpm, N1 or Fan rotation should be observed on the N1 indicator and the throttle will be moved from the cutoff position to idle, at that time the ignition light will illuminate indicating the engine igniters are firing and shortly there after fuel flow will be noted on the fuel flow indicator, seconds later and indication of ignition of the fuel will become evident on the ITT or interstage turbine temperature indicator and the engine will accelerate up to idle speed. After the engine has stabilized for a few seconds the “Starting Engines” check list should be reviewed to ensure all the parameters it covers were meet during the start. This entire sequence only takes about a minute is accomplished by pressing one button and moving one lever about an inch.

Operational procedures can be carried out after starting the other engine if necessary, and after completing the “After Start” checklist.
The engine must also allowed to warm up to and have engine oil temperature of forty degrees Celsius or above, for power settings greater than idle.

The shutdown procedures for the engine is simply moving the throttle to the cutoff position after following the “After Landing” and “Shutdown” check lists. Finally one must complete the “Securing the Aircraft” checklist to ensure the engines and aircraft are secure at the end of the day.

While starting, operating, and eventually shutting down the AE 3007C, may initially sound like a daunting task, the physical steps involve are pressing one button and moving the throttle in the only direction it can go about an inch. The ability to do that responsibly, with the ability to handle malfunctions or emergency, however, does take some time to
master.