The Beginner’s Guide to Pinstriping Tape

Tape isn’t used strictly for holding paper or lightweight objects to walls. There are certain types of tape that are designed for special uses. Pinstriping tape, for instance, is commonly used in the automotive and aerospace industries. Like standard tape, … Read More

6 Reasons Drill Bits Break (And How to Prevent It)

If you regularly drill into workpieces, you’ve probably experienced a broken bit. You may get halfway finished with a hole, only for the bit to snap in half. Broken bits are frustrating, but there’s usually a reason behind them. By … Read More

What Is a Banked Turn in Aviation?

Banked turns are a common flight maneuver in the aviation world. When pilots need to change the heading of an airplane, they will perform this maneuver. Airplanes don’t turn like cars and other land-based vehicles. Instead, they “bank.” For a … Read More

Why Aren’t Airplanes Made Mostly of Steel?

Given its strength, you may assume that steel is one of the most common materials used in the construction of airplanes. Depending on the type, it can have a tensile strength of over 150,000 pounds per square inch (PSI), making … Read More

5 Common Myths About Turboprop Engines

The turboprop is a common type of aircraft engine. Not to be confused with turbofans, it features an air intake, compressor, combustion chamber and propeller. Air from outside the aircraft enters the turbofan via the air intake. The compressor will … Read More

5 Reasons to Choose Spring Clamps

Spring clamps have become a popular alternative to screw or “worm gear” clamps. Like all clamps, they provide a clamping mechanism that applies pressure on an object. Fluid hoses, for instance, often require one or more clamps to prevent leaks. … Read More

The Beginner’s Guide to Air Start Units

Ever wonder how jet engines are initially started? Some airplanes are equipped with an auxiliary power unit. Consisting of a separate battery-powered turbine engine, the auxiliary power unit provides the air and electricity needed to start an airplane’s jet engines. … Read More

The Parts of a Blind Rivet Explained

Blind rivets offer a convenient fastening solution for aerospace parts. Like all rivets, they are designed to permanently secure multiple objects together. They are mechanical fasteners that, when installed, hold objects together. Blind rivets, however, only require access to one … Read More

VFR vs IFR: What’s the Real Difference?

Do you know the difference between Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)? In the past, pilots often relied on VFR. Thanks to modern advancements in aviation, however, many pilots now use IFR. For a better understanding of … Read More