Aircraft Engine Run-Up Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]

Engine run-up checks are a mandatory post-maintenance verification procedure required under FAA 14 CFR Part 43 before an aircraft is returned to service following engine-related maintenance. These checks verify that engine parameters—including oil pressure, fuel flow, RPM, EGT, and vibration levels—meet manufacturer specifications and airworthiness standards. Improper or incomplete engine run-ups are a contributing factor in numerous maintenance-related airworthiness incidents investigated by th

Industry: Aircraft Maintenance
Frequency: Per Event
Estimated Time: 30-50 minutes
Role: Aircraft Mechanic
Total Items: 42
Compliance: FAA 14 CFR Part 43 - Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding and Alteration, FAA 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix E - Altimeter System and ATC Transponder Tests, FAA 14 CFR Part 145 - Repair Station Certification and Operating Requirements, FAA 14 CFR Part 91.409 - Inspection Requirements for Aircraft, IATA Ground Operations Manual Section 11 - FOD and Ramp Safety During Maintenance

Pre-Run-Up Safety and Area Clearance

Establish a safe run-up environment, confirm FOD sweep, chock placement, and personnel clearance before engine start.

Has a FOD sweep of the run-up area and engine inlet zone been completed?
Are wheel chocks properly positioned and all landing gear ground locks installed?
Has a safety observer been positioned with visual contact of the mechanic in the cockpit?
Are all personnel and equipment positioned outside the engine inlet and exhaust danger zones?
Has a fire extinguisher rated for aircraft use been positioned and a fire watch established?
Have all required maintenance work orders and AMM references been reviewed prior to start?

Engine Start Sequence and Initial Parameters

Monitor engine start sequence for proper ignition, oil pressure rise, and absence of abnormal indications.

Did oil pressure rise to the minimum operating value within the manufacturer's specified time after start?
Was engine start EGT (or TIT/ITT) within the manufacturer's maximum start temperature limit?
Did the engine accelerate smoothly through idle without hung start, stall, or compressor surge?
Are all cockpit engine instruments (oil pressure, fuel flow, N1/N2, EGT) indicating correctly at idle?
Is there any unusual smoke, odor, or fluid spray observed during or immediately after engine start?

Idle Power Checks and Systems Verification

Verify all engine systems at ground idle including fuel system, ignition, bleed air, and electrical generation.

Is engine idle RPM (N1 or %RPM) within the manufacturer's specified idle range?
Is fuel flow at idle within the manufacturer's specified range?
Is engine oil temperature within normal operating range at idle?
Is the generator or alternator producing correct voltage and frequency at idle?
Is bleed air output (if applicable) within acceptable pressure and temperature parameters?

Power Application and Engine Run-Up

Advance throttle(s) to specified run-up power settings and verify all parameters within limits.

Does engine RPM or N1 reach the AMM-specified run-up power setting smoothly without surging?
Is EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature) within maximum continuous limits at run-up power?
Is engine vibration within manufacturer's acceptable limits at run-up power?
Is oil pressure maintained within normal operating limits at run-up power?
Are there any abnormal sounds (knocking, surging, rattling, or popping) at run-up power?
Photograph the engine instrument cluster readings at run-up power for documentation.

Magneto / Ignition System Checks (Piston / Turboprop)

Verify ignition system integrity through magneto drop tests and igniter checks where applicable.

Is the left magneto RPM drop within the manufacturer's maximum allowable limit?
Is the right magneto RPM drop within the manufacturer's maximum allowable limit?
Does the engine run smoothly on each magneto individually without roughness or surging?
Has the magneto live-wire (P-lead) kill test been successfully completed?
Is this section not applicable (turbofan/turbine aircraft without magnetos)?

Fuel System and Fuel Control Verification

Verify fuel system integrity, fuel control operation, and proper tank switching during engine run.

Does fuel pressure remain within limits at all tested power settings?
Has fuel tank switching been verified with correct pressure indications on each tank?
Is there any evidence of fuel leakage from lines, fittings, or the firewall area during run?
Does the fuel flow indication respond correctly and proportionally to throttle movements?
Is the fuel control unit (FCU) response to power lever input smooth and within AMM specifications?

Engine Shutdown and Post-Run Inspection

Complete normal engine shutdown sequence and perform immediate post-run external inspection.

Was engine shutdown accomplished per the AMM normal shutdown procedure?
After shutdown, was there any abnormal smell (burning, fuel, or oil) in the engine compartment?
Has a post-run engine compartment inspection confirmed no new fluid leaks or overheating evidence?
Have all engine cowling panels been secured and cowling latches verified closed after inspection?
Have all run-up findings, parameter readings, and discrepancies been recorded in the aircraft technical log?

Maintenance Release and Return to Service

Confirm all discrepancies have been resolved or properly deferred and the aircraft meets airworthiness standards for release.

Have all open maintenance discrepancies identified during the run-up been corrected or deferred per the MEL?
Has the maintenance work order been completed with all required entries per FAA 14 CFR Part 43.9?
Has the maintenance release entry been made in the aircraft maintenance record (return to service)?
Does the certifying mechanic hold the appropriate FAA certificate and ratings for the work performed?
Please provide any additional remarks regarding engine performance, discrepancies, or follow-up actions required.

Related Aviation Checklists

Related Aircraft Maintenance Checklists

Why Use This Aircraft Engine Run-Up Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This aircraft engine run-up inspection checklist [free pdf] helps aircraft maintenance teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for aircraft mechanic professionals, this checklist covers 42 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 43 - Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding and Alteration, FAA 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix E - Altimeter System and ATC Transponder Tests, FAA 14 CFR Part 145 - Repair Station Certification and Operating Requirements, FAA 14 CFR Part 91.409 - Inspection Requirements for Aircraft, IATA Ground Operations Manual Section 11 - FOD and Ramp Safety During Maintenance. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Aircraft Engine Run-Up Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 42 inspection items across 8 sections: Pre-Run-Up Safety and Area Clearance, Engine Start Sequence and Initial Parameters, Idle Power Checks and Systems Verification, Power Application and Engine Run-Up, Magneto / Ignition System Checks (Piston / Turboprop), Fuel System and Fuel Control Verification, Engine Shutdown and Post-Run Inspection, Maintenance Release and Return to Service. It is designed for aircraft maintenance operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 30-50 minutes.

Who should use this Aircraft Engine Run-Up Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Aircraft Mechanic professionals in the aircraft maintenance industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.