Does a jumbo jet have an ignition key and, if so, who gives the key to the pilot?
A jumbo jet, or any commercial jet for that matter, does not have an ignition key. Even the gates, pilot lounges, and other “crew only” areas are all accessed by password codes on the doors. No one gives a key to the pilots. The plane is started by a series of procedures that the pilots must follow. Engine start is the final step of programming a commercial airliner for flight. Pilots run numerous checklists, set all the systems, and then ultimately conclude with engine start as the plane is being pushed back from the gate. Ignoring the programming of flight computers, here is the basic procedure to start the engines. 1) Pilots must have the APU (auxiliary power unit) turned on. 2) Pilots open the APU Bleed air valve and use then set the central pneumatic system valves to send the APU Bleed across the turbines to begin them turning. 3) Once the N2 percentage reaches target value in the combustion chamber, fuel is introduced via fuel control switches. 4) Auto ignition, which would have
