Definition
The cockpit lever used by the pilot to set engine power output. In turbine aircraft, the PCL controls fuel flow to the engine and, in turboprops, also coordinates propeller blade angle. It is the turbine-engine equivalent of the throttle in a piston aircraft.
Plain English
The lever the pilot moves to tell the engine how much power to produce. Push it forward for more power, pull it back for less.
Context Anchor
Seen in performance figures, cockpit procedures, and aircraft manuals when a specific power setting is needed, such as during climb performance discussions.
Derivation
Built from plain English: a lever that controls power. The term is used instead of 'throttle' in turbine aircraft because the lever does more than just regulate airflow — it manages an integrated fuel and propeller system.
Why Pilots Care
Correct PCL movement directly affects climb performance, fuel efficiency, and engine safety margins.
Intuition Check
Do not treat PCL as a separate mystery control. In this context, it is the aircraft’s engine power lever—the control used to set more or less engine power.
Example Sentence 1
During the climb demonstration, the pilot advanced the PCL to takeoff power and held the pitch attitude steady.
Example Sentence 2
During cruise the pilot reduced the PCL to maintain the recommended power setting.