Definition
The cockpit control the pilot moves to command engine power. In a FADEC-equipped aircraft, the throttle lever sends a position signal to the engine's electronic control unit, which then sets fuel flow, mixture, ignition timing, and propeller settings automatically to deliver the requested power.
Plain English
The handle the pilot pushes forward or pulls back to ask the engine for more or less power. In a FADEC system, moving this lever tells the computer how much power you want, and the computer handles the rest.
Context Anchor
Seen in cockpit engine controls and in discussions of FADEC engine operation.
Derivation
Throttle comes from an old English word meaning to choke or restrict the throat. In early engines, the lever physically restricted airflow into the engine, choking it back to reduce power. The name stuck even though in a FADEC aircraft the lever no longer mechanically restricts anything; it just signals a computer.
Why Pilots Care
Directly governs engine power for takeoff, climb, cruise, and descent; improper use can lead to engine damage or loss of control.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the throttle lever always directly opens a mechanical valve. In a FADEC-equipped engine, it may act as a command handle that tells the engine control system how much power the pilot wants.
Example Sentence 1
On takeoff roll, the pilot smoothly advanced the throttle lever to the full forward position and the FADEC set takeoff power.
Example Sentence 2
During descent the pilot gradually retarded the throttle lever to maintain the target airspeed.