Definition
A controllable-pitch propeller whose blades can be rotated past the flat (zero-thrust) position into a negative angle, producing thrust directed forward of the aircraft. This reversed thrust is used to slow the aircraft after landing or to back it up on the ground.
Plain English
A propeller whose blades can be turned to push air forward instead of backward, so the engine slows the airplane down instead of pulling it ahead.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter this term in propeller system descriptions, turboprop operating procedures, and landing roll discussions.
Derivation
Reversible comes from the Latin reversus, meaning 'turned back.' Here the blade angle itself is turned back past flat, which reverses the direction of the thrust the propeller produces.
Why Pilots Care
Provides powerful deceleration on landing, shortening required runway length and reducing wear on wheel brakes.
Grounding Statement
After touchdown, reverse pitch makes the propeller airflow help slow the airplane rather than help move it forward.
Intuition Check
Pitch here does not mean the airplane’s nose attitude or a sound. It means the angle of the propeller blades.
Example Sentence 1
After touchdown, the pilot moved the power levers into the beta range and selected reverse pitch to slow the aircraft on the short runway.
Example Sentence 2
During taxi, reversible-pitch propellers allowed the crew to control speed without heavy use of brakes.