Plain English Meaning

A test you do on the ground, before takeoff, where you push the throttle up to a set power setting and check that the engine and its systems are working properly.

Full Definition

A pre-takeoff ground check in which the pilot holds the airplane stationary with brakes applied and increases engine power to a specified RPM to verify that the engine, magnetos, propeller, carburetor heat, and related systems are operating correctly before flight.

Context Anchor

Seen on pre-takeoff checklists and in carburetor heat , usually before entering the .