What can be used to prolong engine start without creating damage?

• A. Alternating power sources
• B. External cooling devices
• C. Proper engine start intervals
• D. Voltage regulators

Answer: (C)

Prolonging engine start without creating damage primarily involves managing the intervals between engine starts effectively. Proper engine start intervals ensure that the engine and its components have adequate time to cool down between starts, reducing the risk of overheating and thermal stress. This practice helps maintain the integrity of the engine by preventing excessive wear or potential failures that could arise from continuous attempts to start the engine without sufficient cooling time.

While other options may have their respective roles in an aviation context, they do not directly address the critical factor of managing the start-up process to avoid damage related to thermal and mechanical stress during engine starts. For instance, alternating power sources or using voltage regulators pertains more to managing electrical systems rather than the nuances of engine temperature and start intervals. External cooling devices could help manage temperatures but are not a standard solution for extending engine starts in a way that directly addresses the fundamental concern of start intervals.