Definition
The combinations of manifold pressure and propeller RPM selected by the pilot to produce a desired engine power output in an aircraft equipped with a constant-speed propeller. Each setting is established by adjusting the throttle (manifold pressure) and the propeller control (RPM) to values published in the aircraft's Pilot's Operating Handbook for a given phase of flight.
Plain English
The specific throttle and propeller knob positions a pilot uses to get a chosen amount of engine power, such as for takeoff, climb, or cruise.
Context Anchor
Seen when setting climb, cruise, descent, or training maneuver power in an airplane operating handbook, checklist, or cockpit procedure.
Why Pilots Care
Correct power settings deliver required performance while protecting the engine from overstress and maintaining fuel efficiency.
Intuition Check
Power settings does not mean a general feeling that the engine is running high or low. It means specific selected control values, such as throttle-related pressure and propeller RPM, used to produce the desired engine power.
Example Sentence 1
After leveling off in cruise, the pilot reduced the power setting to 23 inches of manifold pressure and 2,300 RPM as recommended in the handbook.
Example Sentence 2
After leveling off, the pilot reduced the power settings to maintain 75 percent power.