Plain English Meaning

The spinning set of blades on the front (or back) of many aircraft. The engine turns it, and as it spins it grabs air and throws it backward, which pulls the aircraft forward.

Full Definition

A rotating device with two or more shaped blades, driven by the engine, that produces thrust by accelerating a mass of air rearward. Each blade is an airfoil set at an angle to its plane of rotation, so as the propeller turns, the blades pull (or push) the aircraft through the air.

Context Anchor

You encounter the propeller during preflight inspection, engine start, takeoff, climb, cruise, and any of or .