What are the minimum engine oil pressures for steady-state idle and takeoff?

• A. 25 PSI / 45 PSI
• B. 20 PSI / 40 PSI
• C. 30 PSI / 50 PSI
• D. 15 PSI / 35 PSI

Answer: (A)

Engine oil pressure must stay above minimum thresholds to protect lubrication during different engine regimes. At idle, the engine runs slowly, so the oil pump delivers less flow; a minimum of 25 psi ensures a reliable oil film on bearings even with low RPM and cooler oil. At takeoff, the engine works harder and oil needs to be pressurized higher to maintain lubrication under peak power and load; a minimum of 45 psi provides that safeguard. The option with 25 psi at idle and 45 psi at takeoff aligns with common general aviation guidelines. The other choices set idle or takeoff values that are too low to guarantee adequate lubrication, or mix in numbers that don’t match these standard minimums.