By Thomas P. Turner

Propellers come in a lot of different sizes, shapes and designs, but they all serve one basic function: to convert an engine’s rotational force into thrust. They seem fairly simple—and fixed-pitch props are about as trouble-free as any aircraft component gets—but there can be a lot of technology and engineering that goes into them.

To safely, efficiently and proficiently fly our airplanes, there are a few things we need to know about propellers. For example, what procedures do we need to use when our battery is dead or the Bendix drive won’t engage and we need to get the engine started? What’s the best way to operate a…