Definition
A protective covering applied to the leading edge and tip of a wooden propeller blade to shield it from damage caused by abrasion, moisture, and small debris. Tipping is typically made of thin metal sheeting (commonly brass, Monel, or terne plate) that is fitted to the outer portion of each blade and secured with countersunk screws and rivets, with small breather holes drilled near the tip to let trapped moisture escape.
Plain English
A thin metal cover fitted over the front edge and tip of a wooden propeller blade to protect the wood from wear and damage.
Context Anchor
Seen during propeller inspection, especially when checking wooden propellers for damage at the blade tips.
Derivation
‘Tipping’ comes from ‘tip,’ the outer end of the blade. The word here refers to the protective material applied to that area, not the act of tilting something. The name simply describes what it covers: the tip and the leading edge running back from it.
Why Pilots Care
Intact tipping prevents blade erosion that can cause imbalance, vibration, reduced efficiency, and eventual blade failure.
Intuition Check
Do not read “tipping” as tilting the propeller blade. Here it means protective material placed on the blade tip.
Example Sentence 1
During preflight, the pilot noticed that the propeller blade tipping had lifted slightly near one of the rivets and called for a mechanic to inspect it.
Example Sentence 2
After operating on a sandy strip, the pilot noticed erosion beginning to expose the propeller blade tipping.