Engine Wear and Tear
Guidelines for proper engine procedures to prevent wear and tear
Recommended Cool-Down Times
The table below provides the recommended engine cool-down times for each aircraft in our fleet.
Following proper engine cool-down procedures is required for all Virtual Air Canada Airline flights. These procedures are monitored by Pegasus ACARS and affect your PIREP score.
| Aircraft Type | Recommended Engine Cool-Down Time |
|---|---|
| Airbus A220 | ≈3 minutes at idle |
| Airbus A319 | ≈3 minutes at idle |
| Airbus A320 | ≈3 minutes at idle |
| Airbus A321 | ≈3 minutes at idle |
| Airbus A330 | ≈3 minutes at idle |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | ≈3 minutes at idle |
| Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner | ≈3 minutes at idle |
| Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | ≈3 minutes at idle |
| Boeing 777-300ER | ≈3 minutes at idle |
| Bombardier CRJ900 | ≈2 minutes at idle |
| De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 | ≈30 seconds at feather/low idle |
| Embraer E175 | ≈2 minutes at idle |
Proper Cool-Down Procedure
“Idle” in this context refers to full idle or close to idle thrust setting. Ensure your throttle levers are at or very near the idle position during the entire cool-down period.
After Landing and Clear of Runway
- Maintain idle thrust setting
- Begin the cool-down timer based on your aircraft type
During Cool-Down Period
- Complete after-landing checklist items that don’t require engine shutdown
- Monitor engine temperature gauges if available in your simulator
After Cool-Down Completion
- Proceed with engine shutdown as per aircraft procedures
- Complete remaining after-landing checklist items
- Continue to gate or parking position
Recommended Warm-Up Times
The table below provides the minimum engine warm-up times required before taxiing for each aircraft in our fleet.
Proper engine warm-up is essential to prevent premature wear and ensure optimal engine performance. These times are recommended for old engines.
| Aircraft Model | Minimum Warm-Up Time (Idle after Start, before Taxi) |
|---|---|
| Airbus A220-300 | ≈5 minutes (cold start) |
| Airbus A319 | ≈5 minutes (cold start) |
| Airbus A320 | ≈5 minutes (cold start) |
| Airbus A321 | ≈5 minutes (cold start) |
| Airbus A330 | ≈5 minutes (cold start) |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | ≈5 minutes (cold start) |
| Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner | ≈5 minutes (cold start) |
| Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | ≈5 minutes (cold start) |
| Boeing 777-300ER | ≈5 minutes (cold start) |
| Bombardier CRJ900 | ≈3 minutes (cold start) |
| De Havilland Dash 8 Q400 | ≈1 minute (cold start) |
| Embraer E175 | ≈2 minutes (cold start) |
Implementation in Flight Simulation
When flying for Virtual Air Canada Airline:
- Use your simulator’s clock or a real-world timer to track cool-down and warm-up times
- Ensure you complete the full recommended cool-down and warm-up periods before engine shutdown and taxiing
- Be aware that Pegasus ACARS automatically monitors this procedure and calculates points accordingly
- Non-compliance will result in point deductions from your PIREP score
Flight Scoring System
Learn About Flight Scoring
Understand how flights are tracked and scored in our ACARS system. Learn about performance metrics, validation requirements, and how to maximize your pilot score.
Need Help?
If you have questions about engine procedures or aircraft operations, our operations team is available to assist.