[Adam]

I had a friend ask me if there is any benefit by havering manifold pressure gage in a aircraft with a solid prop? Not sure what the right answer is.

 

[gasman]

The right answer is...... YES.

It is needed along with the tach to figure % of power. It lets you know if the motor is providing full power. And will also let you know of the prop pitch is correct for your aircraft.

It can also show you that your top end performance is due to drag and not engine performance............... example, no wheel pants and not getting book speeds.

Or running a 150 hp prop on a 160. Or the other way around. Yes, you need one.

 

[longranger]

It's a good carb ice detector if you pay attention to it (keep it in your scan).

 

[Mel]

It's also very handy for quickly setting power. The manifold pressure gauge is instantaneous, whereas the tach will take a few minutes to settle down.
After you've flown with it for a while, you will know about where to set MP for the power setting you want.

 

[SHIPCHIEF]

I just got my first plane with a fixed pitch prop & Manifold pressure gauge.
I'm still learning how to use it, but YES.

 

[Adam]

Great information guys, I'll pass it along, thanks!