Quote Originally Posted by Frank Giger View Post
I have a hatred of idiot lights, btw, unless they also come with a gauge. "Something's wrong and now you're screwed" they seem to say to me unless there's some context to them.
The big advantage of engine gauges is that they give you some warning. I've noted gradually decreasing oil pressure and thus headed for home, and of course a temp gauge can warn you to lower the nose and get some more air flowing past the engine. As the quote goes, it'll tell you she's hurtin' before she keens.

"But it ain't all buttons and charts, little albatross. You know what the final rule of flying' is? Love. You can learn all the math in the 'verse, but you take a boat in the air that you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turning of worlds. Love keeps her in the air when she ought to fall down. Tells you she's hurting before she keens. "
- Captain Mal Reynolds

Ron "leaf on the wind" Wanttaja