Aircraft Engines

Knowledge of a few general principles of engine operation helps pilots operate engines efficiently, extends the operating life of the power plant, and helps avoid engine failures.

Most airplanes are powered by reciprocating piston engines or gas turbine engines—either turboprop or pure jet power plants. Most modern jet engines are turbofans, a more efficient, quieter, and powerful development of early turbojet engines.

This section of Pilot's Help provides general information about aircraft engines. You should always follow the recommendations in the aircraft operating handbook and specific advice from a flight instructor to operate a specific airplane engine properly.

NOTE: To learn how to use the engine controls in Flight Simulator, see the topics in the "Using Joysticks, the Mouse, and the Keyboard" section of Pilot's Help.