Definition
The individual airfoil-shaped arms that extend from the propeller hub. Each blade acts like a small rotating wing: as the propeller spins, the blades produce thrust by pulling air rearward, moving the aircraft forward.
Plain English
The spinning arms on the front of the engine that pull the airplane through the air. Each one is shaped like a small wing.
Context Anchor
Seen in engine, propeller, preflight inspection, and propeller icing discussions.
Derivation
From Latin 'propellere' meaning 'to drive forward.' The blades are the parts that actually do the driving — they bite into the air and push the aircraft forward.
Why Pilots Care
Ice on propeller blades reduces thrust, creates imbalance, and can produce dangerous vibration.
Grounding Statement
If the propeller blades cannot move air smoothly, the airplane may not get the thrust it normally needs.
Intuition Check
A propeller blade is not just a flat paddle. It is shaped like a small wing so it can move air efficiently and produce thrust.
Example Sentence 1
During the walkaround, the pilot ran a hand along each propeller blade, checking for nicks or cracks.
Example Sentence 2
During the descent the pilot watched the propeller blades shed ice as the de-icing system cycled.