What is the function of the throttle in an aircraft?

The throttle in an aircraft is primarily responsible for regulating engine power. It directly controls the amount of fuel and air that enters the engine, which in turn affects the engine's thrust output. By adjusting the throttle position, the pilot can increase or decrease the engine's power, enabling control over the aircraft's speed and ascent or descent rate.

While elevation is influenced by engine power, the throttle itself does not directly control elevation; instead, the thrust generated by the engine – as managed by the throttle – allows the aircraft to climb or descend. Similarly, cabin pressure management is handled by environmental control systems and not the throttle. Fuel levels are monitored by various instruments, but these measurements do not impact the throttle's function, which is specifically focused on engine performance.