Definition
A constant-speed propeller setting in which the propeller blades are rotated to a coarse (high) blade angle, taking a larger 'bite' of air per revolution, which results in a lower engine rpm for a given power setting. This configuration is used for cruise and descent, where efficient conversion of engine power into thrust at higher airspeeds is desired.
Plain English
The propeller blades are tilted to take a bigger bite of air with each spin. Because each spin does more work, the engine doesn't need to turn as fast, so rpm drops. This is the cruise setting on a constant-speed propeller airplane.
Context Anchor
Seen in constant-speed propeller operations, especially when adjusting the propeller control for climb, cruise, or descent settings.
Derivation
Pitch' here refers to the blade angle of the propeller, borrowed from the idea of a screw's pitch — how far it would advance through a solid material in one turn. A 'high pitch' blade is angled to advance further per revolution, just as a coarse-threaded screw advances further per turn.
Why Pilots Care
This setting reduces engine wear and fuel burn while producing efficient thrust at typical cruise speeds.
Analogy
Think of a bicycle in a high gear. Each pedal stroke moves you further, but you pedal more slowly. The work per stroke is greater, and that's efficient once you're up to speed — but it's a poor choice for starting from a stop.
Intuition Check
High pitch does not mean the propeller is spinning faster. In this context, high pitch means a larger blade angle; low rpm means the propeller is making fewer turns per minute.
Example Sentence 1
After establishing cruise altitude and airspeed, the pilot reduced the propeller control to set high pitch/low rpm for fuel-efficient flight.
Example Sentence 2
With the propeller in high pitch/low rpm, the engine maintained 2300 rpm even as manifold pressure was increased slightly.