Definition
A propeller anti-icing system component consisting of a slinger ring mounted at the propeller hub that distributes alcohol-based fluid outward by centrifugal force along the leading edge of each propeller blade to prevent or remove ice accumulation.
Plain English
A ring at the base of the propeller that flings alcohol out along the spinning blades to keep ice from forming on them.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of propeller anti-icing equipment, especially on aircraft that use fluid rather than electric heat to protect the propeller from ice.
Derivation
The word 'slinger' comes from the verb 'sling,' meaning to throw or fling outward. The ring 'slings' the alcohol outward as the propeller spins, using the same centrifugal action that throws water off a spinning wheel.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents ice accumulation on propeller blades that would otherwise cause severe vibration, thrust loss, and handling problems in icing conditions.
Analogy
Think of a spinning lawn sprinkler. Fluid enters near the center, and the spinning motion carries it outward. Alcohol slingers work on the same basic idea, but on a propeller and with anti-icing fluid.
Intuition Check
Do not read “alcohol slingers” as people or loose objects throwing alcohol. In this context, they are installed aircraft parts that deliver anti-icing fluid to a spinning propeller.
Example Sentence 1
Before departing into forecast icing conditions, the pilot confirmed the alcohol slingers were charged with deicing fluid and the pump operated normally.
Example Sentence 2
During the post-flight inspection the mechanic verified that the alcohol slingers were free of debris and that fluid reached the outer blade sections.