Definition
A cockpit instrument that displays the twisting force the engine is applying to the propeller shaft, typically shown in foot-pounds, percent of rated torque, or pounds per square inch of internal oil pressure within the reduction gearbox. It is the primary power-setting reference on most turboprop and large piston engines.
Plain English
A gauge that shows how hard the engine is twisting the propeller shaft. The pilot uses it to set and monitor engine power.
Context Anchor
Seen in airplanes where engine power is set or checked by torque, especially during takeoff, climb, and cruise power changes.
Derivation
From Latin torquere, meaning 'to twist.' A torque meter literally measures twisting force — the rotational effort the engine is producing at the shaft.
Why Pilots Care
It lets the pilot set and monitor engine power accurately and avoid damaging over-torque conditions during takeoff and climb.
Intuition Check
A torque meter is not an RPM gauge. RPM tells how fast the propeller is turning; the torque meter tells how much twisting force the engine is putting into it.
Example Sentence 1
During takeoff, the pilot advanced the power lever smoothly while watching the torque meter to avoid exceeding the engine's torque limit.
Example Sentence 2
The instructor pointed out that exceeding the torque limit on the gauge can overstress the engine and gearbox.