Originally Posted by
RTN11
. When you line up, you should apply full power against the brakes, and note the figure you get. The more you get used to what the figure should be, the more chance you'll spot a fault.
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Going to full power before every takeoff is IMO unnecessary and hard on the aircraft. All Cessna single engine POH's give the allowable static RPM range. Pipers and Grummans do not, but the information is available in the service manual.
This is the value that should be checked not some arbitrary RPM number that you experienced last time.
I teach that for a normal takeoff the brakes are released and full throttle should be smoothly applied with the throttle taking 2 to 3 seconds to reach the full power stop. At this point check the RPM guage to ensure that the RPM is indicating within the static RPM range and oil/temp pressure and fuel press (if applicable) are in the green arcs.