Guard the Throttle

Filed in archive Training Tips on March 2, 2005

Here's a good tip from AOPA's flight training website -- it has to do with guarding the throttle during take-offs, landings, and maneuvers such as slow flight and stall entries.

What does it mean to guard the throttle? It refers to using the throttlelocking mechanism to prevent it from slipping, and to keeping one hand on the throttle during critical phases of flight.

I developed a habit of routinely keeping one hand on the throttle, though when at altitude I do relax. It's a good habit to get into, because having that airplane under your complete control, particularly at critical phases of flight, is an absolute must.

Guard the throttle like your life depends on it, because it does!