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why idle/standby at 1000 rpm?

Asked by: 2745 views Aircraft Systems

What are some reasons for maintaining 1000 rpm in many small GA airplanes on the ground?

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2 Answers



  1. Russ Roslewski on Apr 29, 2017

    As opposed to what? 500 rpm? 1500 rpm?

    I suspect there’s no particular magic in the 1000 rpm figure commonly used. 912 rpm would be fine, 1024 rpm would be fine too. But 1000 rpm is a nice round number that’s shown on the tachometer. Plus, it’s a suitably low rpm that you’re not developing much noise, wind, and wear, but is suitably above idle that the engine will run smoothly.

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  2. HardLandings on May 01, 2017

    If you are flying an airplane that does not have Impulse Couplings installed on the magnetos, then by all means, idle the airplane at whatever speed suits you. I regularly idle the Luscombe at 670-800, but at those speeds, the impulse coupling (if installed) will be banging around and retarding the spark for that magneto, just as it’s designed to do for start up. This increases wear on the impulse coupling and the magneto, so avoid running that low unless you are starting the engine.

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