Definition
The act of moving a control, switch, or system through a complete operating sequence — typically off-on-off or extend-retract-extend — to test its function, reset it, or clear a fault.
Plain English
Running something through a full back-and-forth motion, like flipping a switch off and then on again, or raising and lowering the landing gear, to check that it works or to reset it.
Context Anchor
You may see this term in preflight, engine run-up, propeller, landing gear, flap, or maintenance discussions.
Derivation
From the Greek 'kyklos', meaning circle or wheel. The idea is that the component returns to where it started after going through its full range — a complete loop of operation.
Why Pilots Care
Cycling is often the first troubleshooting step for a stuck or misbehaving system. Knowing when and how to cycle a component (and when not to) can resolve a minor issue in flight or confirm a real problem before takeoff.
Analogy
Cycling is like turning a light switch off and back on to confirm the switch and light both respond. In an airplane, the purpose is not casual testing; it is a controlled check of a specific system.
Intuition Check
Cycling does not mean riding a bicycle here. In aviation, it means operating a system through a full change and return.
Example Sentence 1
During the runup, the pilot cycled the propeller three times to circulate warm oil through the governor.
Example Sentence 2
During the post-maintenance check the mechanic cycled the propeller to bleed any remaining air from the hub.