In a message dated 12/27/01 4:45:42 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
rfeussner@GMX.DE writes:

<< I think "drive-by-ear" is still
 the best. I think one can hear if the engine runs too high, too low or when
 it�s time to shift. >>
 Blew up a PT-6 turboprop a few years back during an inflight re-start...it 
wouldn't take the torque and neither the governer nor the overspeed governer 
saw fit to limit the RPM..didn't hear a THING until it went *BANG*...Friend 
had a cooler betweent he seats slide forward and knock his breadloaf out of 
gear....with 4 snow tires singing on the interstate he didn't even get to 
hear the bang....

SOME indication up front is needed IMHO..

steve...