Words for: Aircraft Systems
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A final engine test done while still on the ground. The pilot pushes the throttle forward to a set power level and checks that the engine and key systems behave the way they should before taking off.
A pre-takeoff engine and systems check performed at a designated area near the runway, in which the pilot brings the engine to a higher power setting to verify magnetos, propeller, engine instruments, and other systems are operating correctly before flight.
Seen in before-takeoff checklists, airport surface operations, and runway hotspot discussions when aircraft move to or wait in a runup area near a runway.
From 'run the engine up' — meaning to bring it up to a higher power setting. The phrase became fixed in aviation as the name for this specific pre-takeoff check.
Detects magneto, fuel, or engine problems that would be dangerous or impossible to resolve once airborne.
Do not read runup as a general lead-up to an event. In aviation, a runup is a specific engine-and-systems check done before takeoff, usually while stopped.
After taxiing to the runup area, she completed the runup and confirmed both magnetos were operating within limits.
During the runup the RPM dropped sharply on the right magneto, so the pilot returned to the ramp for maintenance.