Back when my good professors at Parks were trying their best to beat an understanding of aerodynamics into my thick headed scull in the 1970's, they did succeed in making me understand that aviation science is one of precision and attention to detail.

Rush Limbaugh summarized this best in the 90’s: "Words mean things!"

Why then do we, as a community, continually use the word "torque" when we mean "P-factor"?

Specifically the application of right thrust and down thrust to mitigate "torque effects".

Torque is a rolling force about the Y axis of the airplane. It is the result of the engine trying to twist the propeller against the air loads that are applied to the propeller. Offsetting the thrust line in any direction; up, down right or left cannot and does not do anything to mitigate the magnitude or effects of this torque.

P factor is the yawing force caused by the differential thrust across the face of a propeller blade that is a combination of the difference in relative velocity and the angle of attack of the blade.

Down thrust contributes to minimizing the source of P-factor, right thrust moves the remaining P-factor yawing force closer to the CG and minimizes its effect.

Can we please use the proper terms for the forces in question?

Thank you rant over