I have problems manually starting engines in just about any aircraft in FS9. No matter how I set prop pitch, mixture, throttle, etc., when I hit the "start" control knob the engine spools up for a few seconds, but then dies. Doesn't matter if it's jet or prop. The autostart (ctrl-E) works. Is there a dummies' guide to manual start engines in FS9? Why does the engine begin to start, but then die? I've tried search, but I can't find anything specific enough to tell me what I'm doing wrong.

If it's not clear, I'm talking about using the mouse in the 2d cockpit or virtual cockpit to operate the "engine start" knob. Not keyboard commands.

Got fuel?

Also, try CTRL+SHIFT+F4 to set the mixture to full rich. The levers in the VC are a bit dodgy sometimes. At least that's the case in FSX.

It depends on a few things.

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Likely, this is the issue. At least, this is what I assume is the issue.

Which plane specifically?


Magnetos OFF (Ignition all the way off)
Full rich
Prop Fine (all the way in)
Avionics OFF
Generator Off
All lights OFF
Pitot heat OFF
etc. etc.

1. Battery On
2. Beacon On
3. Mag 1, Mag 2, Ignition
4. Generator ON
5. Avionics ON

I mean, this is just really quick/fast "game" way to start a prop plane.

Sounds like your fuel is cut off or the mixture. The engine turns by the starter energy, then goes to standstill again.

Do the aircraft checklist for the engine starts. The key is shift f10 and select the checklist from your kneeboard. Some aircraft require diffrent starting procedures.