What is a key consideration when increasing power settings on a high performance airplane?

When operating a high-performance airplane, one key consideration when increasing power settings is to increase the RPM first, followed by the manifold pressure. This sequence is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the aircraft’s engine and optimizing performance.

By increasing the RPM first, you allow the engine to build up the necessary speed for the propeller, which ensures that the engine can handle the additional load that comes with increasing the manifold pressure. The RPM setting impacts how efficiently the engine and propeller work together. If manifold pressure is increased first without first ensuring that the propeller is at an optimal RPM, it can place undue stress on the engine, potentially leading to engine damage or a reduction in performance.

This approach also helps to maintain a safe operation within the engine’s operational limits. It is an important aspect of managing the engine's performance while ensuring that safety is not compromised during power adjustments. Other options consider variations in the adjustment process but do not follow the best practice, which prioritizes RPM for a smoother and safer engine operation.