Run the start and shutdown for the Bell 206B3, MD 500 and UH-1H on live gauges. Time the fuel against N1, watch the temperature through light-off, and practise aborting hot and hung starts before they become an overtemp.
Keyboard: hold S for the starter. ↑ / ↓ or W / X roll the throttle 2% at a time; add Shift for 10% steps.
Cockpit layouts are simplified drawings, not exact panels. The engine model teaches timing and decisions: accelerations are faster than real life and the cool-down is shortened. Gauge values are illustrative, not aircraft limits.
Drill mode hides the actions. Say each one out loud, then tap the line to check it.
| Bell 206B3 | MD 500 (369D/E) | UH-1H | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | RR/Allison 250-C20B | RR/Allison 250-C20B | Lycoming T53-L-13 |
| Temperature | TOT | TOT | EGT |
| Fuel in | Throttle from cutoff to idle at 12–15% N1 | Throttle from cutoff to ground idle at 12–15% N1 | Throttle preset just short of the idle detent; fuel comes in with the starter |
| Starter off | About 58% N1 | About 58–60% N1 | 40% N1 or 40 s, whichever first |
| Ground idle | About 62–64% N1 | About 62–65% N1 | About 68–72% N1 |
| Start temp | 810–927 °C for 10 s max | As 250-C20B | Time-limited above about 760 °C |
| Common hot-start cause | Weak battery, fuel too early or too fast | Same, with a quicker light-off | Throttle preset too far open |