Definition
The propeller blade angle in which the blades are rotated parallel to the oncoming airflow, presenting their thinnest edge forward to minimize aerodynamic drag and stop propeller rotation after engine shutdown in flight.
Plain English
The blade position where the propeller blades are turned edge-on to the wind so they slice through the air instead of pushing against it. This stops the propeller from spinning and greatly reduces drag when an engine is shut down in flight.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of feathering propellers, especially on airplanes where a failed engine’s propeller can be adjusted to reduce drag.
Derivation
From the verb 'to feather' an oar — turning the blade flat so it slices edge-first through water with minimal resistance. Aviation borrowed the term directly: a feathered propeller blade slices edge-first through the air the same way.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces asymmetric drag after engine failure, improving aircraft control and performance on the remaining engine.
Grounding Statement
In the feathered position, the blades meet the oncoming air more like the thin edge of a knife than the broad face of a paddle.
Intuition Check
“Feathered” does not mean light, soft, or delicate here. It means the propeller blades are turned edge-on to the airflow to reduce drag.
Example Sentence 1
After securing the failed left engine, the pilot moved the propeller control to the feathered position to reduce drag.
Example Sentence 2
In the feathered position the propeller creates the least possible resistance, allowing safe continued flight on one engine.