What is effective pitch?

Effective pitch refers to the actual distance that a propeller advances through the air in one complete revolution. This concept is important for understanding how efficiently a propeller converts rotational energy into forward thrust. In practical terms, effective pitch is influenced by several factors, including the propeller's design and the conditions it operates under, such as speed and air density.

While the theoretical distance a propeller should advance relates to its design (which can be referred to as pitch), this doesn't account for the real-world performance during flight. The angle between the blade chord and the plane of rotation is relevant to how the blades interact with the air, but it does not define effective pitch itself. Similarly, the amount of thrust generated is a result of effective pitch, but it is not the definition of effective pitch. Understanding effective pitch is crucial for aircrew in assessing how well a propeller performs in delivering thrust.