Originally Posted by
BackPacker
Another addition to your checklist, BPF, might be the minimum RPM number at which flight is sustainable.
If RPM is higher than, approximately, 1700 RPM (assuming fixed pitch here), you can fly to the nearest airport (at approximately Vbg/Vy). If it's lower than that number, you cannot sustain flight and will have to prepare for an off-airport landing. But you might have a little engine power to control your descent.
A very good point although I would suggest for your average C 172/Pa 28 it will difficult to maintain level flight and do any manoevering below 1900 RPM so that is the value I teach my students to look for in the event of a partial engine failure, when they need to decide if they can continue or will be forced to land.