Definition 1 of 2
Definition
The cockpit control used by the pilot to set engine power output. In a piston-engine aircraft, the power lever (commonly called the throttle) controls the amount of fuel-air mixture delivered to the engine. In a turbine-engine aircraft, the power lever controls fuel flow to the engine and, in turboprops, may also control propeller blade angle through the alpha (flight) range and beta (ground) range.
Plain English
The handle in the cockpit you push forward to make the engine produce more power, or pull back to reduce power.
Context Anchor
Seen in cockpit procedures for engine start, taxi, takeoff, climb, approach, and shutdown, especially in turbine and turboprop aircraft.
Derivation
“Power” here means the engine’s useful output, not electrical power. “Lever” comes from an older word meaning to lift or move something with a handle, which fits the cockpit control the pilot moves by hand.
Why Pilots Care
Proper use of the power lever determines climb performance, cruise speed, fuel consumption, and engine longevity.
Intuition Check
Do not read “power lever” as just any lever that has power going to it. In this context, it means the pilot’s engine-power control.
Example Sentence 1
After landing, the pilot moved the power lever into the beta range to slow the aircraft on the runway.
Example Sentence 2
In cruise the pilot pulled the power lever back slightly to reduce fuel flow and extend range.