Definition
In a split-shaft (free turbine) turboprop engine, the cockpit control that sets the speed of the gas generator section — the compressor and its driving turbine — which in turn determines how much hot, high-energy gas is delivered to the separate free (power) turbine that drives the propeller. Moving the lever forward increases gas generator RPM and engine power output; moving it aft decreases it. It is the primary thrust control in this engine type.
Plain English
The lever the pilot moves to ask the engine for more or less power. It speeds up or slows down the part of the engine that makes the hot gas, which is what ultimately turns the propeller.
Context Anchor
Seen in turboprop cockpit control discussions, especially for split-shaft or free-turbine engines where the gas-producing part of the engine is separate from the propeller-driving part.
Derivation
‘Gas generator’ describes what this section of the engine does — it generates a stream of hot, high-pressure gas. ‘Power lever’ simply means the lever that controls power. Together: the lever that controls the gas-making part of the engine, which is how power is set in this design.
Why Pilots Care
It lets the pilot set exact power levels while the propeller holds constant RPM, reducing pilot workload and improving engine response.
Intuition Check
Do not read “generator” as an electrical generator here. The gas generator power lever controls the engine section that produces hot gas, not a device that makes electricity.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the pilot eased the gas generator power lever back to climb power and watched the torque settle.
Example Sentence 2
Small aft movements of the gas generator power lever reduced power in the descent.