Definition
A rapid, full-range advancement of a turbine engine's power lever from idle to maximum thrust in the shortest time the fuel control will allow. Used as a test of the engine's ability to accelerate without stalling, surging, or exceeding temperature limits.
Plain English
Pushing the throttle of a jet engine all the way forward as fast as possible to see how quickly and cleanly the engine can spool up to full power.
Context Anchor
Seen in turbine-engine operation, engine run checks, and discussions of smooth power-lever handling.
Derivation
From 'slam,' meaning to move something forcefully and abruptly. The term describes the action of slamming the throttle forward without the gradual advance normally used in everyday operation.
Why Pilots Care
Can trigger compressor stall or surge in jet engines, leading to power loss or damage.
Analogy
Like stomping the gas pedal to the floor in a car without letting the engine build speed first.
Intuition Check
“Slam” does not mean the engine is physically hit. Here it means the power control is moved forward abruptly, creating a sudden demand for more engine power.
Example Sentence 1
During the test cell run, the technician performed a slam acceleration to verify the engine reached takeoff power within the specified time.
Example Sentence 2
During engine checks the mechanic warned against slam acceleration when testing full power response.