After starting the engine, which instrument should you check first?

After starting the engine, which instrument should you check first?

• A. Oil Pressure Gauge
• B. Tachometer
• C. Altimeter
• D. Attitude Indicator

Answer: (A)

The most important thing to verify right after the engine starts is that oil pressure is rising to normal levels. Oil pressure confirms the engine is being lubricated and that the moving parts are being protected from wear and damage as the engine comes up to speed. If oil pressure doesn’t come up promptly, shutting down prevents potential severe engine damage. The tachometer matters for monitoring how fast the engine is running, but it doesn’t tell you whether the lubrication system is functioning. The altimeter and attitude indicator are essential for flight operations, yet they don’t indicate engine health during start-up.

The most important thing to verify right after the engine starts is that oil pressure is rising to normal levels. Oil pressure confirms the engine is being lubricated and that the moving parts are being protected from wear and damage as the engine comes up to speed. If oil pressure doesn’t come up promptly, shutting down prevents potential severe engine damage.

The tachometer matters for monitoring how fast the engine is running, but it doesn’t tell you whether the lubrication system is functioning. The altimeter and attitude indicator are essential for flight operations, yet they don’t indicate engine health during start-up.