Definition
The simultaneous adjustment of elevator (pitch) and throttle (power) to achieve and hold a desired flight condition such as a specific airspeed, altitude, rate of climb, or rate of descent. Because pitch and power each affect both altitude and airspeed, neither can be set in isolation; the pilot must change them together and in the correct proportion to get the intended result without disturbing the other parameter.
Plain English
Working the control yoke and the throttle together as a pair, in the right amounts, so the airplane does what you want without speeding up, slowing down, climbing, or descending unintentionally.
Context Anchor
Used in instrument flying when controlling the airplane by reference to instruments rather than outside visual cues.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents unintended airspeed or altitude deviations, especially when outside visual references are unavailable.
Grounding Statement
If the nose is raised but power is not adjusted as needed, the airplane may slow down; if power is changed without the right pitch change, the airplane may climb, descend, or change speed unexpectedly.
Intuition Check
Do not read “pitch” here as sound, sales talk, or throwing something. In this context, pitch means the airplane’s nose position; power means engine output set with the throttle, and coordination means adjusting both together.
Example Sentence 1
To level off at cruise altitude, the pilot lowered the nose and reduced power at the same time, using pitch and power coordination to settle smoothly at the target altitude and airspeed.
Example Sentence 2
On final approach the student adjusted pitch and power coordination to stay on glide path at the target airspeed.