Hot Starts - Austalian View Turbine operators often enquire as to "hot start insurance". There is no such animal! The occurrence of a hot start which is defined as a fire or explosion inside the engine casing is technically not excluded under the aircraft policy. It has been argued in the past by underwriters that hot starts come under progressive or accumulative damage (there is an exclusion in the policy about that) but if the engine is withdrawn from service after a single recorded incident of a hot start, then it is our opinion that the policy should cover any damage to the engine (in excess of the deductible of course). Any subsequent damage to the aircraft itself resulting from a violent hot start and subsequent fire is automatically covered anyway. Subject that the hot start was caused by a pilot induced "error or mistake" then we argue this is an "accident". If however, a start is initiated with a pilot knowing that he has a low battery situation, a faulty battery, starter motor or FCU or the like, then this could be argued as not being an accident and under those circumstances a claim may not be successful. The main thing to remember is following a suspected hot start, the turbine engine must be withdrawn immediately from service for inspection otherwise we will have no defence against the "progressive and accumulative effect" argument.

Now a Conflicting Bit of Advice - US View    http://www.aviationinsurance.com/index.html "Hot Starts, No Problem I'm Covered...Right?" Wrong. A pilot has a "hot start". The assumption is, if FOD damage is covered, hot starts should also be covered. This is not the case. If you have an engine loss resulting from internal heat, your aircraft hull insurance will not answer. This is specifically excluded in your policy with wording similar to "We will not pay for physical damage to an engine that arises out of heat or the improper operation of a turbine engine."