What should be done to prevent the overheating of the starter motor?

Preventing the overheating of the starter motor is crucial for maintaining the reliability and longevity of the aircraft's starting system. The primary reason for avoiding excessive use of the starter motor is that prolonged or repeated engagement can lead to overheating due to the electrical load and mechanical strain placed on the motor.

Starter motors are designed for short bursts of operation to initiate the engine, and using them for extended periods can cause the windings to heat up beyond their safe operating temperatures. Such overheating can damage the insulation and potentially lead to failure of the motor itself.

Other options like minimizing the use of landing gear, using a backup starter motor, or keeping electrical systems powered down do not directly address the correct usage and operational limitations of the starter motor. Proper practices, such as following the recommended starting procedures and allowing cooling periods between attempts, help in preventing overheating effectively.