<VV> Lean vs Rich

[Padgett]

>Airplanes take off at "full rich" because that's where they
>make the most power.

Partly true, they take of full rich because they are less likely to lose 
power in that setting which is really more of a concern at takeoff. A 
somewhat leaner setting is more likely to produce the most power (but only 
a little bit more). Piston aircraft generally also have the ability to 
adjust both timing and mixture manually and have readouts for manifold 
vacuum, CHT, and often EGT (exhaust gas temperature), all necessary to find 
the "sweet spot" for a particular operating condition.

The "High and the Mighty" is currently making the rounds on cable and is a 
lesson in why it is so important even with worldwide communications. For 
cars, the MFRs are most concerned with meeting federal requirements for 
50,000 miles and warrenty cost avoidance. MPG is often a secondary issue. 
Important but secondary.

Padgett