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← Aviation glossary
AIRCRAFT SYSTEMSBEGINNER

APU

APU Abbreviation · Auxiliary Power Unit Synonym

Auxiliary Power Unit: a small gas turbine that can provide aircraft power and starting support.

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TECHNICAL EXPLANATION

What it means technically

The APU includes an engine, control system, starting, fuel, lubrication, fire protection, intake and exhaust arrangements.

FULL CONTEXT

How the term is used

APU capability depends on aircraft design and operating phase. Typical functions include ground electrical supply, engine starting support and air-conditioning air, with limits controlled by aircraft systems and procedures.

MAINTENANCE CONTEXT

Where you may encounter it

Maintenance may involve fault messages, oil servicing, inspections, starting-system checks and performance monitoring.

Safety and misunderstanding note

APU intake, exhaust, fire and high-temperature hazards require strict approved precautions.

LEARN NEXT

Continue beyond the definition

RESOURCE · SYSTEM GUIDEA350 APU ECB, Emergency Shutdown and Indicating

Full-authority control, DMM/BITE, normal/protective/emergency shutdown, system-page data and fault interpretation.

RESOURCE · SYSTEM GUIDEA350 APU Power Section - Compressor, Combustor and Turbine

Gas-path energy conversion, two-stage centrifugal compression, reverse-flow combustion, three-stage turbine and performance fault…

RESOURCE · SYSTEM GUIDEA350 APU Ignition, Starting and Starter-Generator

Ignition energy, battery/AC start paths, SPU/SGCU coordination, start permissives, acceleration and autostart.

RESOURCE · SYSTEM GUIDEA350 APU Indicating and Crew Interface

Controls, speed/EGT, flap, availability, generator/bleed, oil/fuel and fault messages.

RESOURCE · SYSTEM GUIDEA350 APU Operating Sequences and Load Management

Master-on preparation, start, acceleration, availability, generator/bleed loading, cooldown, autostart and phase-based diagnosis.

RESOURCE · SYSTEM GUIDEA350 ATA 49 APU - Complete Expanded Study Overview

A complete system map of the A350 APU, its gas turbine, outputs, support systems, control logic and maintenance evidence.

VIDEO · Zeto.rATA 49 How to replace Starter on A320 APU

How APU STARTER on A320 works? APU to 55% of the APU's usual speed. You can operate the starting system from the APU panel in th…

VIDEO · Dennis Vijverberg, Brakes ReleasedAirbus, A350, APU start close up. Afterburner?

After some request I was finally able to make an A350 APU start up without wind noise. Enjoy. #aviation #aircraft #cockpitview…

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