What is the basic aircraft shutdown sequence?

• A. Throttles to idle, activate fire protection if needed, pull T/L handles, then battery OFF.
• B. Turn off the battery first.
• C. Remove fuel first.
• D. Open doors before any other actions.

Answer: (A)

The basic shutdown sequence prioritizes quickly reducing energy in the affected engine, then stopping fuel to prevent feeding the fire, and finally removing electrical power. Start by bringing the throttles to idle so the engine is turned down and less heat is produced. If there’s a fire or risk of one, activate the fire protection system to begin extinguishment. Next, pull the engine fire handles (T/L handles) to shut off the fuel supply and hydraulics to that engine and to arm the extinguishing agent. Only after the engine is secured should you switch the battery off to isolate electrical power and reduce the risk of electrical ignition or secondary fires. Opening doors or attempting any “fuel removal” steps first would expose crew to smoke and flames and doesn’t fit the standard, safety-first shutdown sequence.