Definition
An event in which an engine or system parameter goes beyond a published operating limit, such as maximum temperature, RPM, torque, or pressure. Exceedances are recorded, must be reported, and typically require maintenance inspection or action before further flight.
Plain English
A moment when something on the engine — like temperature or RPM — went higher than it is allowed to go. When that happens, it has to be written up and checked by maintenance before the airplane flies again.
Context Anchor
Seen in jet engine operation when monitoring engine instruments, responding to abnormal indications, or reporting an event after flight.
Derivation
From 'exceed,' meaning to go beyond. The '-ance' ending turns it into the event itself — the act or instance of going beyond. So an exceedance is a recorded instance of going past a limit.
Why Pilots Care
An exceedance may signal engine stress or damage and requires maintenance review before the next flight.
Intuition Check
Do not read exceedance as the same thing as failure. An exceedance means a limit was passed; the engine may still be running, but it must be treated seriously.
Example Sentence 1
After the hot start, the crew noted a temperature exceedance and wrote it up for maintenance before the next flight.
Example Sentence 2
Maintenance inspected the engine after the data recorder showed an EGT exceedance on the previous flight.