Definition
The coordinated control of engine power setting and airspeed to achieve a desired flight condition, such as climb, cruise, descent, approach, or landing. It involves selecting the correct power output and adjusting pitch attitude so the aircraft maintains the airspeed appropriate to the phase of flight and the procedure being flown.
Plain English
Using the throttle and the controls together so the aircraft is going at the right speed and producing the right amount of power for whatever you are trying to do at that moment.
Context Anchor
Seen in training discussions about judgment, aircraft control, approach planning, and recognizing when a flight situation is becoming unsafe.
Why Pilots Care
Most phases of flight require a specific airspeed paired with a specific power setting. Get the pairing wrong and the aircraft climbs when it should descend, descends when it should hold altitude, or arrives at the runway too fast or too slow. Smooth, accurate flying depends on managing both together rather than one at a time.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as simply “going faster or slower.” In flying, power and airspeed management means actively coordinating throttle changes and nose position so the airplane stays under control and meets the needs of that part of the flight.
Example Sentence 1
On final approach, the instructor reminded the student that good power and airspeed management would keep the aircraft on glidepath at the target approach speed.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach, the student used power and airspeed management to maintain a stable descent rate and target speed.