Flying Tip

Flying tip of the day. Never throw a switch or open a valve without looking for and confirming a corresponding action associated with the switch has taken place. An example.... switching on wing or engine anti ice will show a corresponding drop in EPR due to the bleed air loss. Check your EPR gauge when throwing the switch to confirm the valve has opened. A valve in trasit light or a vlave open light may be associated with a switch as well. Always check the corresponding light has illuminated. Electrically powered items will show an increase in electrical load. Never operate a fuel valve when switching tanks or crossfeeding without looking at the fuel pressure/flow gauge. If you notice a drop in fuel pressure you may be able to switch the fuel valve back to the previous tank before a loss of power has occured. If I see a pilot in the simulator throw a switch without looking for a proper response I fail that item every time.

This tip applies to every switch/lever/valve in the cockpit. Don't perform an action without looking for an appropriate response. It will pay off one day. It's saved me on a few occasions.

Aircraft Operations: Reduced Power Takeoff

Reduced power takeoffs reduce wear on the engine by reducing the exhaust gas temperature. More fuel is burned durng a reduced power takeoff since the engine remains at TO power longer than at full power, but is less stressful on the engine. Reduced power takeoffs also allow normal acceleration rate, and normal climbout body angle when the plane is lightly loaded. The Captain is the final authority as to the use of reduced power. Reduced power should not be used if any one the following conditions are present.

1) If the runway is contaminated with snow, slush or standing water
2) If you are taking off with a tailwind
3) Wing anti ice is used
4) Visibility is less than 1 mi
5) If there is a crosswind greater than 10 kts
6) The first flight of the day
7) If reduced TO power is less than climb power use climb power as the min TO power setting