Definition
Describes a piston engine equipped with a turbocharger — a device that uses the engine's exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which in turn drives a compressor that forces additional air into the engine's intake. This restores or boosts intake air density, allowing the engine to maintain rated power at higher altitudes where the surrounding air is thinner.
Plain English
An engine that uses its own exhaust to pack more air into the cylinders, so it keeps making strong power even when flying high where the air is thin.
Context Anchor
Seen in engine operation and engine shutdown procedures, especially when a pilot must manage power changes and let the engine cool properly after flight.
Derivation
From 'turbine' (a wheel spun by flowing gas) plus 'charged' (filled or loaded). The turbine spins from exhaust flow and 'charges' the cylinders with extra air.
Why Pilots Care
Requires specific cooldown procedures before shutdown to prevent damage to the turbocharger bearings.
Intuition Check
Turbocharged does not simply mean “faster” or “more powerful.” In this context, it specifically means the engine uses exhaust energy to compress the air going into the engine.
Example Sentence 1
Because the airplane was turbocharged, the pilot let the engine idle for several minutes after landing to allow the turbocharger to cool before shutdown.
Example Sentence 2
A turbocharged engine maintains better power when climbing through thin air at higher altitudes.