Definition
Adjustments to engine power (throttle setting) made during a climb or descent to establish or maintain a desired airspeed once pitch attitude has been set for the target rate of climb or descent.
Plain English
Small throttle changes the pilot makes to fine-tune the airplane's speed during a climb or descent, after the nose has already been placed in the right position.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying when setting up and maintaining straight climbs and descents by reference to the flight instruments.
Derivation
Correction comes from a Latin word meaning “to set right.” That helps here: a power correction is not just any power change; it is a power change made to set the airplane’s performance back where it should be.
Why Pilots Care
Correct power settings keep airspeed stable, prevent excessive deviations, and maintain safe performance margins during climbs and descents.
Intuition Check
Power corrections are not electrical repairs, and they are not random large throttle movements. Here, correction means a controlled engine-power adjustment made to bring the airplane back to the desired performance.
Example Sentence 1
After establishing the climb attitude, the pilot made a small power correction to hold the target climb airspeed.
Example Sentence 2
During the descent the student made gentle power corrections to prevent the airspeed from creeping above the target.