Aerospace Engineering

Takeoffs require a substantial amount of thrust. While smaller commercial jets like the Boeing 737 weigh around 90,000 pounds, larger jets like the Airbus A380 weigh over 1 million pounds. To become airborne with all this weight, airplanes must produce … Read More

Climbing is one of the most important phases of flight. As you may know, it involves an airplane ascending or “climbing” to a higher altitude. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) typically requires airplanes to fly at least 1,000 feet … Read More

Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or a once-a-year air traveler, you’ve probably heard of the “final approach.” It’s a term used extensively in the aviation industry. All flights have a final approach. What is the final approach in aviation, and … Read More

Rivets are synonymous with aerospace manufacturing. From small piston-engine aircraft like the Cessna 172 to large commercial jets like the Airbus A380, most airplanes use rivets in their construction. These permanent fasteners create strong joints that are better protected from … Read More

Designing a new airplane is a time-consuming and methodical process. It took Boeing nearly a decade to design the 787, and it took Airbus nearly 15 years to design the A380. Testing is one of the most time-consuming processes when … Read More

Ever wonder why so many commercial jets have their engines mounted under their wings? Wing-mounted engines are common in the commercial aviation industry. With the exception of small and mid-size jets, most commercial jets have wing-mounted engines. They offer several … Read More

Airbreathing engines are common in the aviation industry. With the exception of electric and hybrid models, most aircraft engines use air for combustion. They mix and fuel in an enclosed space known as a combustion chamber, after which they ignite … Read More

They may not carry passengers, but aircraft tugs play an important behind-the-scenes role in the aviation industry. Also known as pushback tractors, they are designed to move airplanes. Airplanes can’t easily move and maneuver on the ground. Tugs, however, are … Read More

Ever wonder how air density affects airplanes? Airplanes generate lift primarily by deflecting air downward. Their wings are designed to push air downward, resulting in an equal and opposite reaction that pushes or “lifts” the airplane up. The density of … Read More