Plain English Meaning

A turning force. When the propeller spins one way, the airplane wants to roll the other way. On most trainers, that means a left-rolling tendency when you apply lots of power, like during takeoff and climb.

Full Definition

A twisting or rotational force. In a single-engine propeller airplane, torque refers to the reaction force from the spinning propeller and engine that tends to roll the airplane in the opposite direction of propeller rotation. For most U.S.-built engines, the propeller turns clockwise as seen from the cockpit, so the torque reaction tends to roll the airplane to the left, especially at high power and low airspeed (such as during takeoff and climb).