Definition
An engine condition in which an internal temperature — typically turbine inlet temperature, exhaust gas temperature, or interstage turbine temperature — exceeds the manufacturer's published limit, either in value, in duration, or both. An over temperature event can damage turbine blades, hot section components, and bearings, and usually requires a maintenance inspection before the engine is returned to service.
Plain English
The engine got hotter inside than it is allowed to get. Even a brief excursion above the limit can cause real damage and almost always means the engine has to be inspected before flying again.
Context Anchor
Seen during turboprop engine starts and while monitoring engine instruments in flight.
Why Pilots Care
Exceeding temperature limits can damage turbine blades and other hot-section components, leading to reduced engine life or sudden failure.
Intuition Check
Over temperature does not just mean the engine is warm or working hard. It means the temperature has exceeded a published limit.
Example Sentence 1
During the start, the pilot aborted when the temperature gauge spiked toward the red line to avoid an over temperature.
Example Sentence 2
Prolonged over temperature operation requires an engine inspection before the next flight.