Airplanes aren’t used strictly for transportation. They have other applications, such as spraying crops with herbicides, pesticides and other protection products. Known as crop dusters, these specialized airplanes play an important role in the agriculture industry. Here are six fun … Read More
Turboprops are one of the most popular types of aircraft engines. Unlike turbofans, they don’t rely on exhaust gases to produce thrust. Instead, turboprops burn a mixture of fuel and air to turn a propeller blade. Propeller blades, however, have … Read More
When inspecting a standard sheet metal screw, you may notice that it has sharp threads. All screws, of course, have threads. Consisting of helical ridges that extend fully or partially down the shank, they convert rotational force into linear force … Read More
Do you know the difference between mitre and square cut cotter pin ends? Cotter pins are commonly used in machinery and mechanical assemblies. Also known as split pins, they consist of a U-shaped piece of metal with two prongs of … Read More
Engine pylons play an important role in aviation. All airplanes have engines. Whether it’s a turbofan or turboprop, they are the main thrust-generating devices. Engines produce the forward force needed to overcome drag and move the airplane through the air. … Read More
Ring terminals are used in many electrical systems. You can find them in automotive wiring harnesses, marine equipment, aircraft controls and more. As their name suggests, ring terminals feature a ring-shaped piece conductor that “terminates” the end of a wire. … Read More
Fuel management is an important part of piloting an airplane. Whether commercial or civilian, practically all airplanes burn fuel for thrust. A typical Boeing 737 burns about a quarter-gallon of jet fuel per second, whereas larger airplanes like the Boeing … Read More
Choosing the right drill bit is important. While they are all used to create holes in objects, some of them are better suited for specific materials than others. Cobalt and titanium drill bits, for instance, offer superior cutting power for … Read More
A lot of work goes into assembling modern airplanes. A typical commercial airliner has millions of individual parts. Depending on the size, it can take anywhere from weeks to months to assemble them. While some of these parts are small, … Read More