What action should be taken if the ITT during start sequence is about to exceed the limit?

When the Interstage Turbine Temperature (ITT) is approaching its limit during the engine start sequence, the recommended action is to shut off the fuel. This is critical for preventing potential engine damage or failure, as exceeding the ITT limit can lead to overheating and structural failure of engine components.

Shutting off the fuel effectively cuts off the combustion process, which allows the temperature to begin to decrease, mitigating the risk of damage. The key reasoning behind this action is to ensure the safety of the engine and avoid any operational hazards that come with excessive temperatures.

Continuing the starting process or increasing fuel flow would exacerbate the problem and could lead to catastrophic engine failure. Checking engine gauges is essential for monitoring performance, but it does not provide a direct corrective action when facing an imminent temperature exceedance.

Hence, shutting off the fuel not only serves as an immediate response to protect the engine's integrity but also aligns with standard safety protocols during engine operations.