Definition
Mistakes a pilot makes when handling the throttle or power setting during straight-and-level instrument flight, including using too much or too little power, applying changes too abruptly, failing to coordinate power changes with pitch and trim, and not cross-checking the instruments to confirm the resulting airspeed and altitude.
Plain English
Errors that come from how the pilot manages the throttle — wrong amount, rough handling, or not checking what the instruments show afterward.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying when a pilot is trying to maintain straight-and-level flight by reference to the flight instruments.
Derivation
Power comes from words meaning the ability to do or act. In flying, it means the engine force available to keep the airplane moving. Error comes from a word meaning to wander; a power error often makes the airplane wander away from the intended speed or altitude.
Why Pilots Care
Correct power management keeps altitude and airspeed stable; uncorrected errors lead to altitude busts, airspeed deviations, and loss of precise control.
Grounding Statement
In straight-and-level flight, power mainly affects airspeed, so an incorrect power setting can quickly make the airplane speed up, slow down, climb, or descend unintentionally.
Intuition Check
Do not assume a power error means the engine is failing. Here, it usually means the pilot has set or adjusted the engine power incorrectly for the flight condition.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor pointed out several power errors during the lesson, mainly jerky throttle movements that caused the airspeed to swing.
Example Sentence 2
Forgetting to reduce power after leveling off from a climb is a typical power error that causes unwanted airspeed buildup.