Final answer:
When flying at high altitudes in a turbocharged airplane, the manifold pressure gauge is critical to monitor, as it helps prevent engine over-boost by ensuring the turbocharger operates correctly.
Step-by-step explanation:
When flying a turbocharged airplane at high altitudes, the gauge you should monitor closely is the manifold pressure gauge. This measures the pressure of the air entering the engine’s cylinders and is crucial for ensuring that the turbocharger is functioning properly and providing the correct amount of air compression.
Monitoring this gauge helps prevent engine damage due to overboots, which can occur at high altitudes where the air is thinner. It’s essential to keep the manifold pressure within the aircraft manufacturer’s specified limits.
To give an idea of how critical attention to units and gauges can be, consider the historical event where a Boeing 767 ran out of fuel mid-flight due to a misinterpretation of fuel units.
The incident highlights the importance of carefully monitoring and understanding aircraft gauges and units because the ground crew fueled the plane with 22,300 pounds instead of the needed 22,300 kilograms of fuel. This underscores the significance of meticulously watching gauges and knowing what they represent.