AC 20-88A

Advisory circular · Guidelines on the Marking of Aircraft Powerplant Instruments (Displays)

Approved
September 30, 1985
Last reviewed
June 23, 2020
Family
AC 20-88 · 1 version
Revision
A
14 CFR parts
23, 25, 27, 29

Guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it. DRS record last changed October 23, 2026.

Show pages 1–12
Page 13OCROpen in PDF

For propeller driven small airplanes which must meet the requirements in Appendix F to Part 36 of the FAR at maximum normal operating power, from the corrected rotational speed used to establish the aircraft noise level to the minimum recommended for continuous operation (except in the restricted ranges, if any).

Yellow Arc - From maximum rotational speed for continuous operation to maximum permissible rotational speed.

Yellow Arc Conditional operating range for one engine inoperative (Off set) flight that exists above the normal takeoff rating limit (if applicable).

Red Arc - Range(s) in which operation is restricted, except to pass through, for all operating conditions because of excessive stresses, etc.

h. Tachometer (Turbine Engine Aircraft) Dashed Red - At maximum permissible rotational speed (% r.p.m.) for Radial conditional operation (if applicable).

Red Radial - At the normal maximum permissible rotational speed.

Green Arc - From maximum rotational speed for continuous operation to minimum rotational speed recommended for continuous operation.

Yellow Arc - From maximum rotational speed for continuous operation to maximum permissible rotational speed.

Yellow Arc - Conditional operating range that exists above the normal (Off set) takeoff rating limit (if applicable).

1. Torque Indicator (Reciprocating, Turboprop and Turboshaft Engine Aircraft) Dashed Red - At maximum permissible torque limit for conditional Radial operation (if applicable).

Red Radial - At the normal maximum permissible torque limit.

Green Arc - From maximum torque limit for continuous operation to the minimum recommended torque value.

For propeller driven small airplanes which must meet the requirements in Appendix F to Part 36 of the FAR at maximum normal operating power, from the corrected torque Par 9 Page 13

Page 14OCROpen in PDF

value used to establish the aircraft noise level to the minimum torque value recommended for continuous operation.

Yellow Arc - From maximum torque limit for continuous operation to maximum permissible torque limit.

Conditional limit markings (if applicable):

Red Wedge Shape - At normal takeoff limit, if less than maximum torque limit.

Striped Green Arc - From the normal takeoff rating (red wedge shape) to the maximum torque limit (red radial).

Yellow Arc - Conditional operating range for one engine (Offset) inoperative flight that exists above the normal takeoff rating limit.

j. Exhaust Gas Temperature (Turbine Engine Aircraft) Dashed Red - At maximum permissible gas temperature for wet operation Radial for specific maximum time.

Red Radial - At maximum permissible gas temperature for dry operation.

Green Arc - From maximum permissible temperature for continuous operation to minimum recommended by the engine manufacturer.

Yellow Arc - From maximum temperature for continuous operation to maximum permissible gas temperature.

Yellow Arc - Conditional operating range for one engine inoperative (Off set) fif at tea exists above the normal takeoff rating limit Dual Tachometer (Helicopter) Red Radial - Dual Tachometer (Engine) - At normal maximum and minimum permissible rotational speed (% r.p.m.).

Dual Tachometer (Rotor) - At normal maximum and minimum rotor speed (% r.p.m.) for power "off" operational condition.

Page 14 Par 9

Page 15OCROpen in PDF

Green Arc - Dual Tachometer (Engine) - From maximum rotational speed for continuous operation to minimum recommended for continuous operating power (except in the restricted ranges, if any).

Dual Tachometer (Rotor) - From maximum to minimum normal operating range (including power off).

Yellow Arc - Dual Tachometer (Engine) - Cautionary ranges, such as altitude limits.

Conditional Limit Markings for Multiengine Helicopters (if applicable):

Dashed Red Radial - Conditional maximum permissible rotational speed (2-1/2 minute rating) for one engine inoperative flight.

Yellow Radial - Conditional 30-minute rating limit for one engine inoperative flight.

Yellow Arc - Conditional operating range for one engine (Offset) inoperative flight that exists above the normal takeoff rating limit.

1. Thrust Indicator (Turbine Engine Airplanes). No markings because values vary considerably with temperature and altitude operating conditions.

Limiting gauge markings cannot be established for all such conditions. It is necessary to refer to thrust setting charts (EPR or N1, etc.) for the proper тивано M. CRAIG BEARD Director of Airworthiness Par 9 Page 15