Aerospace Engineering

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

Ever wonder how long airplanes stay in service? While advancements in modern aviation have extended their lifespans, airplanes don’t last forever. They will eventually reach a point at which they must be retired. How Airplane Lifespans Are Measured The lifespan … Read More

Landing is typically considered the most challenging part of flying an airplane. Statistics show that over half of all civil aviation accidents occur during this phase of flight. Fortunately, there are systems to assist pilots with landings, such as glide … Read More

Modern airplanes require a consistent flow of fuel. If the pressure or flow rate drops, less fuel will reach the engines, which can have serious consequences for engine performance and flight safety. Fortunately, there are devices to assist with the … Read More

If you’ve ever peeked into the cockpit of a helicopter, you may have noticed that it didn’t have a yoke or side stick. Yokes and side sticks are found in airplanes. Helicopters, on the other hand, have a cyclic. What … Read More