Slight engine problem

[Kell]

Hi

I flew back from Portugal last night, and before we took off the pilot came on and told us that there was a sticky valve on some part of the engine (that needs air and electric to start) at the back of the plane (?) and we would need help in starting it, so we may hear some grinding noises that we wouldn't normally hear. It sounded very strange and as though something was struggling or stalling. He used an initial to describe it, as it was something to do with air? ADU or AVU or something like that? He was very calm and sounded unconcerned so I tried to be the same (not easy when you are told there is something not quite right!!!). It was an uneventful flight other than that, and I arrived home safe and sound at 2am this morning, with, I must add, the smoothest landing I have ever had! I am sure it must have been nothing, but I would value your opinion, if you can shed any light on it. It was an Airbus A320 I think.

Thanks :)

[Agne]

ADU or AVU or something like that?

Maybe APU ?

I am glad to hear that your flight went well !! Did you like Portugal ? Any pics?

[Kell]

That's the one! So, it's no big deal then really? It just sounds bad when you are all nervous about flying in the first place!

Thanks for your reply!

Kelly

[Falcon]

No not a bother would have meant one more night on holiday. When switched on the airpressure should open the valve to allow air from the APU to start the engines. No valve and the APU would have blown against a brick wall while the engines would have stayed idle. Good of him to warn you about the funny noises.

[mkahanek]

I am curious as to why they bothered to start it at all. I have been on two 737-500's in which the APU was not operative. All they did was crank up a loud and annoying external compressor and start one engine at the gate. Then towed us some distance away from the gate and tarmac, spooled up the started engine and started the other. No APU was ever needed.