What defines effective propeller pitch?

The effective propeller pitch is defined as the actual distance that a propeller moves forward in one complete revolution, considering factors such as slip and efficiency. This concept is important in understanding the performance of the aircraft since it indicates how much thrust the propeller can generate in relation to its RPM. When a propeller rotates, the blades create a path akin to a screw moving through a material. The theoretical pitch can be determined by the shape and angle of the blades, but the effective pitch accounts for real-world conditions, including air resistance and drag, impacting how far the aircraft progresses through the air with each rotation.

Understanding effective pitch helps pilots assess performance in various flight conditions, leading to more informed decisions about power management and operational efficiency. The other options, while relevant to propeller characteristics or measurements, do not accurately define effective pitch. The recommended angle of the blades and the maximum pitch angle pertain more to design specifications rather than actual performance outcomes. Thrust produced relates to the output of the propeller but does not encapsulate the essence of effective pitch.