How is an engine started on the A320 using bleed air?

• A. Bleed air from the APU or from a live engine via cross-bleed starts the engine; the air turbine starter spins the engine with ignition engaged.
• B. Engines start by battery only.
• C. Bleed air is not used; engines start with external air.
• D. Engine start occurs with manual crank.

Answer: (A)

Starting an A320 engine with bleed air means using pneumatic power to spin the engine and light it off. The Air Turbine Starter is driven by bleed air supplied from a source such as the APU on the ground or from another running engine through a cross-bleed start. That pressurized air turns the starter, which spins the engine core while ignition is armed. Once the engine reaches a suitable speed and ignition is active, fuel is introduced and combustion begins, allowing the engine to accelerate to idle and become self-sustaining. This is why bleed air is essential here—the starter needs that pneumatic power to get the engine turning, and ignition ensures the fuel will light once the compressor is turning fast enough.