Unicom: 10/05

How To Fly Twins
While the idea of ignoring the throttles and instead grasping the propeller levers on takeoff is intriguing, such a habit may be the wrong thing to do. While it is assumed that an aircraft is at full power during takeoff, it is important to note that not all aircraft use “full power” on departure. Therefore, it is wise for pilots to continue to push up the power to squeeze as much power out of the remaining engine as possible, resulting in a superior climb rate.

Another reason to test one’s selection of which engine to secure by retarding the throttle is that this action provides one extra layer of safety, one extra hoop through which pilots must jump, to...