Definition
A ground-run procedure performed on a turbine engine to verify that it is producing the power it should at given operating conditions. The technician runs the engine to a specified power setting and compares actual readings — such as torque, exhaust gas temperature, fuel flow, and gas-generator (N1) and power-turbine (N2) speeds — against the manufacturer's published charts, which are corrected for the day's outside air temperature and pressure. If the readings fall within the allowable range, the engine is performing as expected. If they fall outside that range, the engine is losing performance and requires investigation.
Plain English
A test where a turbine engine is run on the ground at a set power setting to confirm it is still producing the power the manufacturer says it should, after correcting for the day's temperature and pressure.
Context Anchor
Seen in turbine-engine maintenance, engine run-up procedures, and aircraft records after certain inspections or repairs.
Derivation
The name says it plainly: the check assures that the engine still has its expected power. The phrase exists because turbine engines lose performance gradually and invisibly — you cannot tell by looking, so a structured check is needed to confirm it.
Why Pilots Care
Confirms the engine will deliver required performance for safe operations, particularly critical for takeoff and climb.
Grounding Statement
The check compares what the engine actually produces during a controlled run with what the aircraft or engine manual says it should produce in those conditions.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as a quick look at the power lever or gauge. A power-assurance check is a specific test against published expected performance.
Example Sentence 1
After replacing the compressor wash kit, the technician performed a power-assurance check and found the engine was still within published limits.
Example Sentence 2
Before the flight, the pilot noted the results of the recent power-assurance check in the aircraft logs.