How does the pilot use the propeller control in the Cessna 172?

In the Cessna 172, the propeller is typically a fixed-pitch propeller, which means that the blade angle is set and cannot be changed by the pilot during flight. This design simplifies operation because the pilot does not need to manage propeller pitch or speed adjustments while flying. Consequently, there is no need for a propeller control lever in the cockpit.

Given that the propeller maintains a constant angle, it automatically adjusts to varying airspeeds, optimizing performance for cruise and climb conditions to a certain extent. The fixed-pitch propeller operates efficiently within the normal operational range of the aircraft, making it suitable for general aviation usage like that of the Cessna 172.

In contrast, other options incorporate features that are not typical of the Cessna 172. For instance, variable-pitch propellers allow the pilot to adjust the blade angle, which is not applicable here. The notion of feathering the propeller is a feature of specific propellers designed for multi-engine or certain high-performance single-engine aircraft, enabling them to reduce drag in case of an engine failure. Lastly, since the Cessna 172 uses a fixed-pitch propeller, the pilot does not have manual control over propeller speed