AFOQT Practice Test

What is the primary function of the throttle in flight control?

1. Maintain altitude

2. Control speed

3. Maintain engine within optimal flight parameters

4. Adjust steering

The correct answer is: Maintain engine within optimal flight parameters

The primary function of the throttle in flight control is to control speed. The throttle regulates the amount of fuel and air entering the engine, which directly influences the engine's performance and the aircraft's speed. By adjusting the throttle, pilots can increase or decrease power output, allowing for acceleration or deceleration as needed during flight. While maintaining altitude is an essential aspect of flight, it is primarily managed through pitch control, which involves the use of the elevator and trim settings. The throttle can help maintain altitude indirectly by controlling speed and power, but it is not its main role. The idea of maintaining engine performance within optimal flight parameters plays a part in overall flight management, but it is more related to monitoring and managing the engine's output rather than the direct purpose of the throttle itself. Adjusting steering pertains to the aircraft's directional control, which involves a different set of controls like ailerons and rudders rather than the throttle.