Originally Posted by
drummingcraig
First off, a
HUGE thank you to all of the pilots participating in this thread! ^^^
My question involves the normal procedure for engine start-up before/during taxi on a 757.
The last couple of times I have flown on a 757 (ORD-SNA) I have noticed that only the left engine was up and running during the initial taxi. The right side engine (sorry I don't know which is #1 or #2...I am a drummer-not an aviator
) wasn't fired up until we were in line around #2-3 for take-off. Is this normal? I hadn't ever noticed it before (at least not on other 757's or other craft). Is this done to save fuel?
In addition, on my most recent trip when the right side engine was finally fired up it emitted quite a bit of smoke which then blew past the front of the plane and caused some "quiet nervousness" in most of those seated by the windows in F (including myself). Again, I had never seen this happen and could only assume it was a result of the engine being started "rich". Any insight to this?
Thanks again to all of you!
Craig
Gumpfs answered it well. Single-engine taxi is United's way of trying to save fuel, but most pilots don't like it because it does impact safety some. The F/O is heads down a lot more and not helping the captain clear while they taxi. I might do it at a small airport with a single taxiway with a backup, but I never do them at big airports like ORD where incursions can happen real easy.
I remember when I flew the 757, the first engine start of the day usually was a smokey one. If it was early in the morning when you left, that was probably it, but smokey starts are nothing to be concerned with.