On an ATR, what do engine torque and propeller indications primarily reflect?

• A. They indicate engine power and propeller efficiency; monitor for abnormal values and follow engine-out procedures.
• B. They indicate aircraft speed and altitude.
• C. They indicate cabin pressure and oxygen levels.
• D. They indicate fuel consumption rate.

Answer: (A)

Torque and propeller indications tell you how much power the engine is delivering and how effectively the propeller is using that power. Torque is essentially the engine’s twisting force, reflecting the power output the engine is producing. The propeller indications show the load on the propeller and how efficiently that power is being converted into thrust.

Because they’re tied to the engine’s power and the propeller’s load, these readings are your early warning of abnormal operation. If torque is higher or lower than expected for the commanded power, or if the propeller indication suggests an unusual load or efficiency, it points to a potential engine problem or propeller issue. In such cases you follow the engine-out procedures to handle the abnormal condition and maintain safe flight.

These indicators are not measures of airspeed, altitude, cabin pressure, oxygen levels, or fuel flow, so they don’t reflect those aspects of the aircraft’s state.