Definition
A propeller whose blades can be rotated past the normal low-pitch position into a negative blade angle, producing thrust directed forward of the aircraft. This reverse thrust is used after touchdown to slow the airplane and shorten the landing roll, and on the ground to back the airplane away from a parking position.
Plain English
A propeller that can twist its blades the 'wrong way' on purpose, so instead of pulling the airplane forward, it pushes air forward and slows the airplane down — useful right after landing.
Context Anchor
Seen in turboprop and some complex airplane discussions, especially when covering landing rollout, stopping distance, and propeller controls.
Derivation
From 'reverse' (Latin reversus, 'turned back') applied to the propeller's blade angle. The blades aren't spinning backward — they're angled backward, so the same forward rotation now throws air forward instead of pulling it rearward.
Why Pilots Care
Reverse thrust shortens landing distance and reduces brake wear, which is especially useful on short or contaminated runways.
Grounding Statement
After the wheels are on the runway, the pilot can select reverse so the propeller helps slow the airplane during the rollout.
Intuition Check
A reversing propeller usually does not mean the propeller spins backward. It means the blades change angle so the thrust acts opposite the airplane’s normal forward direction.
Example Sentence 1
After touchdown on the short, wet runway, the pilot moved the power levers into the reversing range to help slow the airplane.
Example Sentence 2
Use of reversing propellers allowed the turboprop to stop well before the end of the short runway.