Definition
A cockpit instrument that displays the twisting force the engine is delivering to the propeller shaft, typically shown in foot-pounds or as a percentage of maximum allowable torque. In turboprop and many high-performance piston aircraft, the torque gauge is the primary indicator used to set and monitor engine power.
Plain English
A dial that shows how hard the engine is twisting the propeller. The pilot reads it to set and check engine power.
Context Anchor
Seen during power changes, cruise power checks, and instrument flying discussions of holding straight-and-level flight at a selected airspeed and altitude.
Derivation
Torque comes from the Latin torquere, meaning 'to twist.' The gauge measures the twisting force the engine applies to the propeller shaft, so the name describes exactly what is being measured.
Why Pilots Care
It gives precise power information so the pilot can set and hold desired performance without exceeding engine limits.
Analogy
It is like feeling how hard you are twisting a wrench. The speed of your hand matters, but the torque is the twisting effort you are putting into it.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse torque with engine speed. A torque gauge shows twisting force, not simply how fast the engine is turning.
Example Sentence 1
After advancing the power lever for takeoff, the pilot checked the torque gauge to confirm the engine was producing the target setting.
Example Sentence 2
In level cruise the torque gauge reading dropped slightly after the pilot leaned the mixture.