Plain English Meaning

A system that handles the throttles for the pilot, adding or reducing engine power automatically to hold whatever speed or power setting the pilot has selected.

Full Definition

Automatic systems that control engine power by moving the throttle levers to maintain a target airspeed, thrust setting, or flight profile selected by the pilot. The system commands the engines through the same throttle quadrant the pilot uses, and the levers typically move physically as the system makes adjustments.

Context Anchor

Pilots encounter autothrottles in airplanes with advanced automatic , especially during , , , and other phases where speed or is being managed automatically.