Definition
A mechanical stop or notch in a control mechanism that holds a lever, switch, or selector in a defined position until enough force is applied to move it past that point. In thrust reverser systems, detents in the power lever quadrant separate forward thrust, idle, and reverse thrust ranges so the pilot can feel each position distinctly.
Plain English
A built-in catch point that holds a lever in place at a specific position. You feel a small click or resistance, and the lever stays there until you deliberately push it past.
Context Anchor
Seen when discussing thrust reverser levers and other cockpit controls that move through set positions.
Derivation
From French détente, meaning a release or easing of tension, originally referring to the catch that releases a crossbow trigger. The word came into mechanical use to describe a part that holds something in place until released.
Why Pilots Care
Keeps reverse thrust engaged reliably so the airplane slows effectively on short or slippery runways.
Analogy
Like the click positions on a car gear selector — you feel each position lock in, and you have to push slightly harder to move past it.
Intuition Check
Do not read detent as a random dent or damage in the control. A detent is a designed position or stop that the control is meant to have.
Example Sentence 1
After landing, the pilot lifted the reverse thrust levers out of the idle detent and pulled them back into the reverse range.
Example Sentence 2
The quadrant has a distinct detent for each major power setting including idle and full reverse.