Definition
The thick, rounded inner section of a propeller blade where it attaches to the propeller hub. The shank carries the structural loads from the hub out into the aerodynamic portion of the blade but produces little or no thrust itself.
Plain English
The chunky, round part of the propeller blade right next to the hub. It's the strong attachment point — not the part that bites into the air to pull the airplane forward.
Context Anchor
Seen in propeller descriptions, propeller inspections, and maintenance discussions about the area near the hub.
Derivation
Shank is an old English word meaning the leg or the straight part connecting two ends of something — like the shank of a key or a bolt. On a propeller, it's the straight, structural part connecting the blade to the hub.
Why Pilots Care
Damage or cracks here can lead to blade failure in flight; torque and balance checks focus on this area.
Intuition Check
Do not think of the blade shank as the sharp or working edge of the blade. It is the thick base near the hub, not the outer part that does most of the pushing of air.
Example Sentence 1
During preflight, the pilot checked the blade shank area for cracks, oil leaks from the hub, and security of the spinner.
Example Sentence 2
Proper torque on the bolts through the blade shank keeps the propeller balanced during flight.