Definition
A power-control concept used when flying jet or turbine aircraft, where the throttle setting itself is treated as the primary reference for power, rather than an instrument indication such as RPM, manifold pressure, or engine pressure ratio. The pilot sets the throttle to a known position for the desired flight condition, and the engine instruments serve as confirmation rather than as the value being chased.
Plain English
In some aircraft, you set power by moving the throttle to a known position and trust that position, rather than constantly adjusting it to make a gauge read a specific number. The gauges are there to confirm the throttle setting is doing what you expect.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying when using the primary-and-supporting method to decide which instrument to rely on during a power change.
Why Pilots Care
Correct identification prevents power setting errors that lead to altitude or airspeed deviations in instrument conditions.
Intuition Check
“Primary” does not mean the only instrument to look at. Here it means the main instrument to rely on at that moment, while the throttle is being set.
Example Sentence 1
In this jet, climb power is set by moving the throttles to the climb detent, since primary power as throttle is set gives a reliable thrust output without chasing the gauges.
Example Sentence 2
Watch primary power as throttle is set to establish the correct descent rate.