Definition
The temperature of the exhaust gases as they enter the turbocharger turbine, measured by a probe placed in the exhaust stream just ahead of the turbine wheel. TIT is used in turbocharged piston engines as the primary reference for leaning the mixture and for monitoring exhaust gas temperatures, because it reflects the hottest point the turbine components are exposed to. Manufacturers publish a maximum allowable TIT that must not be exceeded in any flight regime.
Plain English
How hot the exhaust gases are right before they hit the turbocharger. Pilots watch this number when leaning the fuel mixture and to make sure the turbocharger isn't being cooked.
Context Anchor
Seen on turbine-engine temperature instruments and in heat-management procedures for turbine-powered airplanes.
Derivation
Straight description: 'turbine inlet' is the point where exhaust enters the turbocharger turbine, and 'temperature' is what's being measured there. The name tells you exactly where the probe sits.
Why Pilots Care
Staying within TIT limits protects the turbine from heat damage and maintains engine reliability and performance.
Analogy
Think of TIT like checking the heat going into an oven’s most sensitive part. The oven may still run, but if that area gets too hot, damage can happen quickly.
Grounding Statement
When power is increased, more fuel is burned, the gases get hotter, and TIT can rise quickly.
Intuition Check
Do not treat TIT as just another general engine-temperature reading. It is specifically the temperature at the turbine inlet, and it is often one of the key limits for how much power can safely be used.
Example Sentence 1
After establishing cruise power, the pilot leaned the mixture slowly while watching TIT, stopping well below the manufacturer's 1,650°F limit.
Example Sentence 2
After leveling off, TIT dropped as the pilot eased the throttles back for cruise power.