Definition
A cockpit instrument that displays the temperature of one or more engine cylinder heads, allowing the pilot to monitor whether the engine is operating within its approved temperature range. It typically reads from a temperature probe mounted on the hottest cylinder and is used to detect overheating caused by high power settings, lean mixtures, low airspeed, or inadequate cooling airflow.
Plain English
A gauge in the cockpit that shows how hot the top of the engine's cylinder is getting, so the pilot can take action before the engine runs too hot.
Context Anchor
Seen on the engine instrument panel during climb, cruise, and descent, especially in airplanes with piston engines cooled mainly by outside air.
Why Pilots Care
Excessive cylinder head temperatures can cause engine damage, detonation, or failure, so pilots use this gauge to manage power settings and mixture for safe engine operation.
Grounding Statement
During a slow climb on a hot day, the engine works hard and gets less cooling air, so the cylinder head temperature gauge may rise.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as a general engine temperature gauge. It is specifically showing cylinder head heat, not oil temperature, outside air temperature, or cabin heat.
Example Sentence 1
During a prolonged climb on a hot day, the pilot noticed the cylinder head temperature gauge climbing toward the red arc and lowered the nose to improve cooling.
Example Sentence 2
After adjusting the mixture for cruise, the cylinder head temperature gauge stabilized within the normal operating range.