Sorry to be a bit dumb, but a couple of questions:
In your simple fixed pitch prop trainer/tourer, the only way to know the engine is making full power at the start of the takeoff roll, is to know what the minimum staic RPM limit is. Any RPM below this value at the start of the takeoff run should be grounds for an immediate reject. Contrary to the assertions of one PPL poster here, it is very difficult to "feel" a underperforming engine, but the static RPM check will give you hard information.
What exactly does 'static RPM check' mean?Or 'minimum static RPM limit'? How do you do this check? Is it something I'm already doing, but under a different name?
Magneto Check: When checking the mags the difference in the mag drop between the the two mags is just as important as the maximum drop noted for each mag. A large difference in mag drop between the two mags indicates a problem with the ignition timing and should be investigated before further flight. The POH should have the limits for both maximum allowable drop and max difference allowed, which will always be considerably less (only 50 to 75 RPM). Similarly I have met many pilots that did not realise that no mag drop is actually bad as it indicates a fault of the magneto grounding circuit or mag switch and again is a reason to abort the flight
I do understand this, and always pay attention to this pre-take off. However, what about a mag check/dead cut check on shutting down?
I sometimes forget this and frankly, can't remember the difference between the dead cut and mag checks.
Can somebody please explain this? I know it helps ensure that mags (and therefore props) are not left 'live', but I can't remember quite how this is so.
Thanks!