Originally Posted by
BackPacker
Actually, I just checked the PA-28-161 Cadet POH and the AFE C152 notes I have here (sorry, that's all I have available) and they do not specify a minimum static RPM.
My C152 POH clearly states the static RPM limits in the Normal Procedures section under the Takeoff Power check section, as does the C172 POH's. Unfortunately Piper is not as enlightened as it does not provide the values in their POH's. However you can do a lot better than a gut check by conciously noting the RPM as the throttle reaches the full forward position. This value should be consistant + - about 50 RPM regardless of the conditions for all subsequent takeoffs. if you are doing a check out on a new aircraft type the instructor "should" be able to tell what number to look for.
Yes you should always apply a gut check to every takeoff so if it doesn't seem right it is better to do alow speed abort than continuing with a sick airplane. However gut checks work best when they start with a comparision to hard data points and low hours PPL, in particular, do not have the reservior of experience to rely solely on "gut checks"