Definition
The period after starting an engine, or energizing an instrument or electronic system, during which it must be allowed to reach a stable operating temperature before being placed under normal load or relied upon for accurate readings.
Plain English
The short wait after switching something on so it can settle and work properly before you use it.
Context Anchor
Seen in engine starting, pre-takeoff checks, instrument checks, and equipment operating instructions.
Why Pilots Care
Insufficient warm-up can cause accelerated engine wear, oil starvation, or rough operation during critical phases of flight.
Intuition Check
Warm-up time does not mean casual waiting. In aviation, it means waiting until the engine or equipment is stable enough to use safely and trust its output.
Example Sentence 1
After starting the engine, the pilot allowed the published warm-up time before advancing the throttle for taxi.
Example Sentence 2
In cold weather the warm-up time was extended to ensure the oil had circulated fully through the engine.