What is the purpose of the centrifugal feathering latch on a single acting propeller?

The centrifugal feathering latch on a single acting propeller serves the important function of preventing the propeller blades from inadvertently moving into the feathered position during engine shut down. Feathering typically refers to adjusting the blades of the propeller to an angle that minimizes drag, which is especially beneficial in situations where the engine is not producing power, such as during an engine failure or after shut down.

By ensuring that the propeller does not feather during these times, the latch contributes to maintaining control and structural integrity in the event of a shutdown. It helps prevent unintended changes to the propeller's pitch position that could lead to operational issues or complications when attempting to restart the engine.

In contrast, other options primarily address different operational parameters or risks associated with propeller management, such as preventing overspeeding or misalignment of pitch settings under varying conditions, which are essential but not the primary role of the centrifugal feathering latch.