Definition
A turbine engine component that meters fuel flow to the combustion section based on inputs such as power lever position, engine speed, compressor inlet pressure and temperature, and other operating parameters, ensuring the engine receives the correct fuel quantity for the demanded power without exceeding operating limits.
Plain English
The device that decides how much fuel to send to the engine at any moment, based on what the pilot is asking for and what the engine is doing.
Context Anchor
Seen in turboprop engine discussions, especially when explaining how a fixed-shaft turboprop responds to power changes.
Derivation
Fuel comes from an old word meaning material used for feeding a fire. Control means to regulate or keep something within limits. Together, fuel control means the system that regulates the fuel feeding the engine’s fire.
Why Pilots Care
Correct fuel metering keeps the engine inside safe operating limits and prevents power loss or damage during throttle changes.
Intuition Check
A fuel control is not just a fuel on/off switch or a tank selector. Here, control means a regulating system that continuously meters fuel to the engine.
Example Sentence 1
When the pilot advances the power lever, the fuel control increases fuel flow to the combustion section, and the engine accelerates.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach in a fixed-shaft turboprop, the fuel control automatically reduced fuel delivery as the pilot brought the power lever back.