Plain English Meaning

An aircraft that is pushed or pulled through the air by spinning propellers powered by an engine.

Full Definition

Describing an aircraft whose thrust is produced by one or more propellers turned by an engine, rather than by a jet engine producing thrust directly from exhaust gases.

Context Anchor

Seen when FAA texts describe or compare airplanes used for basic flight maneuvers, instrument training, and aircraft handling.

Derivation

From 'propeller' (Latin propellere, 'to drive forward') and 'driven' (powered or moved by). Together: an aircraft moved forward by the action of a propeller.

Why Pilots Care

Propeller-driven aircraft handle differently from jets — they produce , , and effects that affect , especially during .