In the event of a partial loss of power, which item should you check first?

In the scenario of a partial loss of power, checking the fuel gauges should be the first action taken because fuel flow is a critical and often immediate cause of engine performance issues. A partial loss of power can result from fuel starvation, which may occur due to insufficient fuel levels, incorrect fuel mixture settings, or blocked fuel lines. By checking fuel gauges first, the pilot can determine if there is enough fuel in the tanks for the engine to operate effectively.

Understanding the fuel situation is essential because if it is determined that fuel is low or absent, the pilot can take corrective action promptly, such as switching tanks or landing safely if necessary. Other items, such as the primer, magnetos, and throttle settings, are also important to check, but fuel availability is fundamental and should be prioritized to establish the base cause of power loss. This approach aligns with good procedures for troubleshooting and managing in-flight abnormalities.