FAA to Provide Standardized Training for Pilots

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing to launch a new standardized training program for pilots looking to earn their wings. In recent years, aviation officials have expressed concern over the shortage of pilots. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun, for … Read More

SpaceX to Test Sunshade for Starlink Satellites

SpaceX is preparing to test a new sunshade for its Starlink satellites. Assuming all goes it planned, the new sunshade will make the satellites less visible. While that may sound problematic, it’s actually a good thing because it allows astronomers … Read More

What Is ‘Thrust’ in Airplanes? And How Does It Work?

From small privately owned and operated propeller airplanes to large jet-powered commercial airplanes and military airplanes, all airplanes rely on thrust to travel in the air. It’s created by the engines (or engine), thereby allowing the airplane to move forward. … Read More

What Is a ‘Heavy’ Airplane? Understanding the FAA’s Terminology

In The United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) uses specific terminology to classify airplanes by weight. One of the most classifications for commercial airplanes is “heavy.” Being that all airplanes are heavy, though, the term is somewhat confusing. If … Read More

Airbus Completes First Successful Midair Refueling Test

Airbus has just completed its first successful air-to-air refueling test. When flying long distances, airplanes often need to refuel. This is particularly true in the case of military airplanes, some of which fly multiple consecutive missions before landing. Also known … Read More

What Is a Blended-Wing Airplane?

Wings are an important element of an airplane that are responsible for creating lift. As the airplane’s engines produce lift, air will flow over the top of its wings, resulting in an upward-pulling force that’s known as lift. Without wings, … Read More

NASA Awards SpaceX With Lunar ‘Gateway’ Delivery Missions

NASA is gearing up for another trip to the moon. Last month, the space agency awarded the Gateway Logistics Services contract to SpaceX. Under this new contract, SpaceX will help deliver cargo and supplies to NASA’s gateway base, thus paving … Read More

Stratolaunch Set to Deploy Hypersonic Airplanes

The world’s largest airplane is gearing up to help test hypersonic airplanes. Earlier this month, the aerospace manufacturing startup Stratolaunch Systems announced plans to use its massively sized Stratolaunch airliner to deploy hypersonic airplanes. Stratolaunch will carry hypersonic airplanes, and … Read More

What’s the Deal With the Weird Headphone Jacks in Commercial Airplanes?

It’s no secret that most audio devices use a 3.5mm jack. Whether it’s a smartphone, portable video game console, portable DVD player or even a soundbar, if an audio device supports the use of a headphone, it will likely have … Read More