Definition
An engine-driven mechanical pump that draws oil from the sump (or oil tank) and delivers it under pressure through the engine's oil passages to lubricate, cool, and clean the moving parts of the engine.
Plain English
The pump inside the engine that pushes oil around to keep all the moving parts slippery and cool.
Context Anchor
Seen in engine oil system discussions, preflight oil checks, and any situation involving engine oil pressure.
Why Pilots Care
A failed oil pump causes rapid overheating and seizure of engine parts, leading to complete power loss.
Intuition Check
Do not think of the oil pump as just something that holds or adds oil. Its job is to move oil through the engine under pressure.
Example Sentence 1
Shortly after takeoff the oil pressure gauge dropped to zero, suggesting a possible oil pump failure, so the pilot turned back and landed immediately.
Example Sentence 2
After engine start, the pilot watches the oil pressure gauge to confirm the oil pump is working.