Originally Posted by
Bandit650
Correct observation. The CFI pointed out that you often don't see full RPM until well down the roll / just after rotation. This surprised me as I've always seen a health 2400 RPM in my modest 210hrs (~100on type) fairly rapidly after throttle advance. Comments?
Your airspeed will make a difference to the max RPM you get out of the engine. Max Static RPM is measured with the aircraft stationary and full throttle. On the Pitts, with an AEIOU-360, I can only get about 2400 RPM with John Tempest laying over the tail. In straight and level flight, she'll max out at about 2700 RPM as there's less drag on the prop. But, as you noticed, you may not get max RPM from the start of the takeoff roll, but whatever you do get you should get consistently. If you don't get it one day, time to abort and go have a look, just like you did.
You made the right call, no question.
Pitts2112