Aviation Glossary - Gas Turbine Engine

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Gas Turbine Engine

A form of heat engine in which burning fuel adds energy to compressed air and accelerates the air through the remainder of the engine. Some of the energy is extracted to turn the air compressor, and the remainder accelerates the air to produce thrust. Some of this energy can be converted into torque to drive a propeller or a system of rotors for a helicopter.

source: FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A)

An internal combustion engine that burns its fuel in a constant-pressure cycle and uses the expansion of the air to drive a turbine which, in turn, rotates a compressor. Energy beyond that needed to rotate the compressor is used to produce torque or thrust.

source: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Powerplant Handbook (FAA-H-8083-32)

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