"start an operation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the beginning of a complex process or task. For example, "The team was ready to start the operation."
Every time an operator gets into a cab, there is a confluence of issues to contend with, including the weather (the city building code states no crane operator can start an operation when the wind speed exceeds 30 miles per hour), other workers the operator relies on for signals and assistance, as well as the quality and condition of the equipment.
The city building code states that no crane operator can start an operation when the wind speed exceeds 30 miles per hour, and according to the manufacturer guidelines, the wind speed threshold of the crane used on Saturday was 24.6 m.p.h.
"When they start an operation, we do, too".
After more than a decade, Wang decided to start an operation in Egypt.
Pakistan says it will take six months to a year to be able to start an operation in North Waziristan.
One condition is that once they start an operation, Saddam is denied the use of air power against them.
The First Armored Division recently started an operation to try to stamp out the insurgency there.
On Friday, American forces started an operation in Ramadi, another city in insurgent control.
Just a few days earlier authorities had started an operation to make Berlin "Jew free" by Hitler's birthday, on April 20.
We have started an operation to detain those Taliban who are sitting in their houses and take them in for questioning".
"This is compatible with just starting an operation, and also will meet the city's demand with regard to the Olympics".
