Hands on Training

Turbine Engine Training Cell, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

After a hard week of learning the ins and outs of a PT6A engine, we were able to get out the training engine today and make a bunch of noise. This test cell is the same engine used on a Cessna Caravan. I will be operating this engine numerous times over the next few days to learn proper starting techniques, engine adjustments and diagnostics. It was pretty thrilling to start this big turbine today and smell the jet fuel burning and feel the thrust tugging at the chains anchoring the test cell to the ground. If these engines are not operated and started correctly they like to throw pieces of molten metal out of their sides and in turn bring the airplanes down that they are attached to. Thankfully, when they are treated with care and respect they are some of the most reliable engines in the world.