E6B Power Chart by Altitude

[Saxman]

The E6B is a very handy tool, particularly for aircraft I've never flown or don't fly often, when wanting to adjust power settings for cruise, etc. However when doing some testing as part of a discussion I've noticed that there's actually a pretty significant flaw:

The E6B doesn't adjust for altitude.

Case in point,

Per E6B, the F4U lists the following power settings:

WEP: 2700/57.5"
MIL: 2700/54"
Normal: 2550/44"
Cruise: 2150/36.5"

Now, cruise settings at some altitudes I was already familiar with not being possible (at 25k maintaining cruise with the settings above can't be done. Your throttle is maxed and you STILL can't match the indicated MAP at 2150RPM). While this is probably old new to some, I'd never paid attention to the fact that this also applies to the other settings as well:

At ~12,000ft and 17,000ft, the F4U actually reaches 59" MAP under WEP, while at various altitudes in between MIL falls somewhat below 54" MAP.

Would it be possible to see the E6B power setting data either adjust depending on your altitude, (say, in 5000ft or whatever blocks) or see the chart expanded out to include settings at different altitudes?

It's less of an issue for people who have a particular ride they fly often enough to feel the difference, but could be useful when you strap into a new bird or one you don't fly often.

[Yossarian]

Great post, +1

[gyrene81]

This would really be helpful info +1

[MachFly]

 

[Volron]

That would help out so much. +1 

[RTHolmes]

how would it help, and with what?

[Saxman]

how would it help, and with what?

Cruise: 2150/36.5"

No it's not at 25,000ft. You can't even SET it. It would be nice to know what settings to use at a given altitude, particularly in special events which usually involve long flight times and where fuel is at a premium. While you can learn by feel what settings are best instead in aircraft you fly regularly, if you're in an event flying something you don't typically spend time in it would be very useful.

[Baumer]

While I would appreciate additional data in the E6B I have found it better to fly with the manuals for each aircraft in game. For example if you look at this chart from the Corsair manual you'll see that Maximum Cruise at 25,000 feet is actually 2050 RPM and 34" Manifold Pressure (High Blower and Auto Lean). Since we can't control blower or mixture settings, you have to look at the speed chart to determine the best altitude to change settings.

[gyrene81]

While I would appreciate additional data in the E6B I have found it better to fly with the manuals for each aircraft in game. For example if you look at this chart from the Corsair manual you'll see that Maximum Cruise at 25,000 feet is actually 2050 RPM and 34" Manifold Pressure (High Blower and Auto Lean). Since we can't control blower or mixture settings, you have to look at the speed chart to determine the best altitude to change settings.

(Image removed from quote.)

Nice Baumer...er...uh...got manuals like that for Japanese, Russian or German aircraft?

[Chalenge]

While I would appreciate additional data in the E6B I have found it better to fly with the manuals for each aircraft in game.

Same goes for the Jugs and Ponies. While the E6B might not be accurate (I only use it for time remaining so I dont know) the power settings and durations are spot on per the manuals.