What does "load shedding" refer to in aircraft systems?

Load shedding in aircraft systems specifically refers to the selective turning off of non-essential systems to conserve power. This process is crucial in scenarios where the aircraft's electrical generation capability is limited, such as during an in-flight emergency or when the aircraft is running on battery power alone. By prioritizing essential systems, load shedding ensures that critical functions—like navigation and communication—can continue to operate without overwhelming the limited power supply.

While the other choices mention relevant concepts in aircraft systems, they do not accurately define load shedding. Switching circuits on and off can relate to managing electrical loads but does not capture the specific intention behind load shedding. Maintaining battery levels is essential for overall aircraft operation, but the term does not solely pertain to that. Automatic boosting of voltage levels is unrelated to the concept of managing system power load, as it involves increasing voltage rather than selectively reducing the load. Thus, the focus on conserving power and prioritizing essential operations defines load shedding effectively.