What should be monitored to prevent hot section burnout during engine starts?

Monitoring exhaust gas temperature (EGT) is crucial during engine starts to prevent hot section burnout. Hot section components, including turbine blades and combustion chambers, are particularly susceptible to damage from excessive heat. The EGT provides real-time data on the temperature of the gases exiting the engine, which reflects how effectively the combustion process is occurring.

If the EGT exceeds specified limits during the start sequence, it can indicate that the engine is producing too much heat, possibly leading to overheating and subsequent failure of the hot section components. By closely monitoring the EGT, flight engineers can make necessary adjustments, such as modifying engine power output or aborting the start if temperatures rise too high.

The other options, while important for overall engine health, do not directly indicate the risk of hot section failure during engine starts. Oil temperature indicates the condition of the lubrication system rather than the immediate thermal state of the combustion process. Fuel pressure is vital for ensuring adequate fuel flow, while compressor efficiency relates more to the overall performance of the engine at various operating conditions. Thus, EGT is the most critical metric for preventing burnout in the context of engine starts.