For takeoff, should an adjustable-pitch propeller be in high or low pitch?

For takeoff, should an adjustable-pitch propeller be in high or low pitch?

• A. High pitch
• B. Low pitch
• C. Medium pitch
• D. Feathered

Answer: (B)

At takeoff you want maximum thrust from a constant‑speed propeller, so you set the blades to the finest (lowest) pitch. This allows the engine to accelerate the propeller to higher RPM under load, delivering the greatest available thrust for the takeoff roll. If you use a higher pitch, the propeller bites more air and loads the engine more, which reduces RPM and thrust and slows the acceleration. Feathering is reserved for shutting down an engine or minimizing drag when an engine isn’t producing thrust, not for takeoff. After liftoff, you would increase pitch to improve efficiency at higher speed.

At takeoff you want maximum thrust from a constant‑speed propeller, so you set the blades to the finest (lowest) pitch. This allows the engine to accelerate the propeller to higher RPM under load, delivering the greatest available thrust for the takeoff roll. If you use a higher pitch, the propeller bites more air and loads the engine more, which reduces RPM and thrust and slows the acceleration. Feathering is reserved for shutting down an engine or minimizing drag when an engine isn’t producing thrust, not for takeoff. After liftoff, you would increase pitch to improve efficiency at higher speed.