What are engine bleeds?
Simply so, what is engine bleed air used for?
Engine bleed air is used to provide the pressurization needed for the water and hydraulic system reservoirs. Such pressurization propels drinking water from the holding tank to the cabin and ensures the smooth flow of hydraulic fluid to the pump inlet in the absence of sufficient atmospheric pressure at high altitudes.
Consequently, how does bleed air start an engine?
Through the opening of bleed air valves, bleed air is sent to an air turbine starter. These devices typically use the high pressure bleed air to spin and engage a centrifugal clutch connected to the engines accessory drive. This in turn causes the N2 shaft within the engine to spin.
In most of today's planes, including Airbus's A380 and A350, the cabin air is what's called bleed air, taken from the engines' compressors before it's mixed with fuel and set aflame.