by Pete Schoeninger
Email your questions to Pete@Flymilwaukee.com
Q: My old Taylorcraft (just purchased) has no information as to cruise power settings. Is there any rule of thumb I can use?
A: Yes, old timers used two ways for fixed-pitch prop airplanes…one is in flight to run the engine at full power and hold altitude. When airspeed and rpm stabilize, note the rpm. Subtract 10% from that number and you will have a rough cruising number. Another way is to do a full power run-up on the ground. That number will be a rough cruising power setting. These methods might work in a pinch, but do your homework, and use the correct recommended power setting.