Definition
A cockpit control found on some carbureted aircraft engines that temporarily restricts airflow into the carburetor to enrich the fuel-air mixture, aiding starting in cold conditions. Once the engine is running and warm, the choke is returned to its normal (off) position to restore a standard mixture.
Plain English
A pull or push control in the cockpit that helps the engine start when it is cold by giving it more fuel and less air for a short time.
Context Anchor
Seen on or near the engine controls in the cockpit, and used during the engine starting checklist when the aircraft is equipped with one.
Derivation
The word 'choke' comes from Old English 'aceocian,' meaning to suffocate or block the throat. In an engine, the choke 'chokes' the airflow into the carburetor, leaving more fuel relative to air -- which is what a cold engine needs to start.
Why Pilots Care
Proper use prevents hard starts, flooding, or damage to the engine during cold-weather or first-start operations.
Intuition Check
Choke control does not mean the engine is damaged or unable to breathe on its own. It is a pilot-operated starting aid that briefly restricts airflow so the engine gets a richer fuel-air mixture.
Example Sentence 1
On a cold morning, the pilot pulled the choke control out before cranking the engine to help it start.
Example Sentence 2
Once the engine was running smoothly, the pilot pushed the choke control fully in to return to normal mixture.