Definition
A pre-landing or pre-go-around configuration step in which the propeller control levers are moved fully forward to set the propellers to the highest RPM (lowest blade pitch) setting. This ensures that if full power is needed — such as during a go-around or balked landing — the engine and propeller are already configured to deliver maximum available thrust without delay.
Plain English
Push the propeller levers all the way forward before landing so the propellers are set to spin fast. That way, if you have to abort the landing and add full power, the engine can give you everything it has straight away.
Context Anchor
Used in descent, approach, and before-landing procedures for airplanes with propeller control levers, especially complex airplanes and many multiengine airplanes.
Derivation
Propeller comes from a Latin word meaning “to drive forward.” In this phrase, forward refers to the cockpit control lever position, not to the propeller physically moving forward on the airplane.
Why Pilots Care
Maintains adequate engine temperature and oil pressure while descending and ensures immediate full power is available if a go-around is needed.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as the propellers moving forward on the airplane. It means the propeller control levers are moved forward in the cockpit.
Example Sentence 1
On the before-landing checklist, the pilot set mixture rich and propellers forward in case a go-around became necessary.
Example Sentence 2
Before leveling off, the pilot returned the propellers forward in preparation for a possible go-around.