Definition
The rate at which fuel is being delivered to the engine, typically expressed in pounds per hour (PPH) or gallons per hour (GPH). In turboprop and turbine engines it is a primary engine performance indication, displayed on a dedicated cockpit gauge and used alongside torque, ITT, and propeller RPM to monitor and set power.
Plain English
How much fuel the engine is burning right now, measured per hour. The faster fuel is going into the engine, the more power it is making and the sooner the tanks will be empty.
Context Anchor
Seen on engine instruments and in turboprop power-setting discussions, especially when checking engine operation and fuel use.
Why Pilots Care
Provides the most direct way to set precise power while staying within temperature and torque limits.
Intuition Check
Do not read fuel flow as the total fuel onboard. It means the rate of fuel use at that moment.
Example Sentence 1
After setting climb power, the pilot cross-checked torque, ITT, and fuel flow to confirm the engine was producing the expected performance.
Example Sentence 2
During the climb the pilot cross-checked fuel flow against torque to avoid exceeding engine limits.