What is the first action to take in the procedure for an in-flight fire on the ground when the engine starts?

In the event of an in-flight fire during ground operations, the first action recommended in many emergency procedures is to move the throttle to a specific RPM setting. The rationale behind this action is to ensure that the engine runs at a stable and manageable rate while fire suppression steps can be taken. By keeping the engine at 1700 RPM for about 2 minutes, it can help clear any excess fuel, assist in stabilizing the aircraft, and allows for a controlled environment to assess the situation.

Setting the engine to this RPM can help maintain the engine's operational status while you prepare to deal with the fire. This step is vital because it can mitigate potential hazards associated with shutdown, such as fuel accumulation that could worsen the fire.

Following this initial action, there are further steps to consider for effective crisis management, such as securing the mixture, turning off electrical systems, or ultimately evacuating the aircraft if the fire escalates. Each of these steps plays a role in a systematic approach to ensuring crew and passenger safety.