Which propeller position produces the least amount of drag?

The feather position of a propeller is designed to minimize drag, particularly in when the engine is not producing power, such as in the event of a failure. In this position, the blades are aligned with the airflow, significantly reducing the surface area exposed to the oncoming wind. This aerodynamic alignment allows for minimal resistance, enabling the aircraft to glide more efficiently when necessary.

In contrast, other positions such as low pitch create more drag because the blades are angled to provide more thrust, but this also increases the surface area facing the airstream. High pitch is designed for cruise conditions to maximize efficiency at speed, but it can still generate more drag than the feathered position when the aircraft is not actively powered by the engine. Therefore, the feathered position is specifically utilized to efficiently manage drag, especially in scenarios like engine-out procedures or when conserving momentum during descent phases.