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Are manifold pressure/prop settings same across most airplanes?

Asked by: 3761 views Aircraft Systems, General Aviation

For instance, 25-25 is often used in GA airplanes as climb setting. Would it also apply to a bigger prop plane such as the C208? What are common rule-of-thumb MP-RPM settings for climb, cruise, descent, pattern, approach, etc?

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2 Answers



  1. Russ Roslewski on Oct 23, 2015

    MP and RPM settings are often very similar in a lot of the smaller GA airplanes, simply because most engines are one of a very few different types, most props are in a fairly small range of sizes, and RPM limits are pretty close across the board.

    However, the number of exceptions almost outweighs the number that fit. For a very common example, many models of the Cessna 182 redline at 2400 RPM. So obviously a 25/2500 power setting is not valid in this airplane.

    The short answer is, use one of the power settings listed in the POH and you shouldn’t have much trouble. Personally, for any given percent power, I prefer to use the combination with the lowest RPM and highest manifold pressure. Engine spins a little slower, wears a little less, and is a little quieter to boot.

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  2. Kris Kortokrax on Oct 24, 2015

    The CE-208 has a P&W PT-6 engine. There is no manifold pressure gauge. You set climb power by torque, ITT (Turbine temp) and Ng, whichever limit is reached first.

    Unless the airplane you are flying has a time limit for takeoff power, you can climb at that power. There is no need to reduce power. Looking at the 182Q POH, it suggests climb as 23″ & 2400 RPM, unless maximum climb is needed. It then states use full power. Cirrus SR-22 recommends climbing at full power. The whole power reduction after takeoff thing is an Old Wives Tale. Think about it. As you climb, your manifold pressure decreases by about 1 ” every 1000 feet. You can’t maintain full sea level rated power very long.

    As far as descent power goes, it depends on the configuration (gear, flaps). I might start an enroute descent by reducing power by 3-5″. Leveling off at that power will usually put me somewhere near approach speed (or a reasonable pattern speed). Lowering the gear at the FAF will then give me about a 500 ft/min descent.

    You really need to go out in the airplane you will be using and determine the power settings for yourself.

    As with most things in life, one size does not fit all.

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