Aerospace Engineering

Jet engines are the backbone of the commercial aviation industry. Statistics show that they power over nine in 10 commercial airliners. When compared to propeller engines, such as turboprops, jet engines are typically faster, quieter and more efficient at high … Read More

While the exact number varies, research shows that there are over 100,000 commercial flights globally per day. Commercial flights, of course, are operated by businesses known as airlines. Airlines sell flight services for scheduled routes to the general public. There … Read More

Pilots must constantly monitor climb rate. Expressed in feet per minute (FPM), it represents the speed at which an airplane ascends or descends. A positive climb rate indicates the airplane is ascending and gaining altitude. A negative climb rate indicates … Read More

Most airplanes feature disc-style brakes similar to those found on automobiles. They are typically found on the main landing gear. Upon touching down, pilots will engage the airplane’s brakes. Heat-resistant discs will then squeeze together to create friction that slows … Read More

Exhaust noise is a concern with jet-powered airplanes. As hot exhaust gases collide with cool ambient air, it creates intense waves of pressurized and turbulent air, which manifests in the form of a loud roar-like noise. Fortunately, advancements in modern … Read More

Fuel pumps play an important role in aviation. With the exception of small, gravity-fed airplanes, most modern airplanes use them to deliver fuel to their engines. Airplanes typically feature an electric boost pump for takeoffs and landings, and they feature … Read More

Many people assume that airplanes rely strictly on brakes to decelerate upon touching down on the runway. Most airplanes do, in fact, have hydraulic disc brakes. Located on the main landing gear wheels, they consist of heavy-duty carbon or metal … Read More

Ever wonder how flight paths for commercial airliners are chosen? There are roughly 100,000 to 150,000 commercial flights on any given day. Unlike private flights, they typically follow fixed routes and schedules and are open to the public. Each flight … Read More

When most people think of flight control surfaces, they envision ailerons, elevators and rudders. Pilots control these surfaces to perform basic maneuvers during all flight phases. There are also secondary control surfaces, however, such as trim tabs. Overview of Trim … Read More