Definition
The end of an aircraft engine opposite the propeller — typically the accessory end, where components such as the magnetos, fuel pump, oil pump, and generator are mounted.
Plain English
The back end of the engine — the side facing away from the propeller, where the smaller engine accessories are bolted on.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft engine maintenance manuals, inspection instructions, and descriptions of engine part locations.
Derivation
‘Anti-’ comes from Greek, meaning ‘opposite’ or ‘against.’ So ‘antipropeller end’ literally means ‘the end opposite the propeller’ — a plain way to refer to the rear of the engine without ambiguity.
Why Pilots Care
Maintenance documentation and inspection findings often locate components by referring to the propeller end or antipropeller end. Knowing which end is which prevents confusion when reading logbooks, service bulletins, or repair instructions.
Intuition Check
Do not read “antipropeller” as a device that works against the propeller. Here it simply means the end opposite the propeller.
Example Sentence 1
The magnetos are mounted on the antipropeller end of the engine for easy access during inspection.
Example Sentence 2
In many radial engines the accessory section mounts at the antipropeller end of the crankshaft.