A method and apparatus are disclosed for a multi-spool gas turbine engine with a variable area turbine nozzle and a motor/alternator device on the highest pressure turbo-compressor spool for starting the gas turbine and power extraction during engine operation. During power down of the engine, the variable area turbine nozzle may be used in conjunction with power extraction to maintain a near constant combustor outlet temperature while controlling turbine inlet temperatures on the turbines downstream of the highest pressure turbine and controlling spool speed on the highest pressure turbine.