Aerospace Engineering

If you’ve ever watched airplanes taking off and landing at an airport, you may recall seeing numbers painted on the tail or the back of the fuselage near the tail. Known as tail numbers, they are essential identifiers in the … Read More

Jet engines play an important role in modern aviation. Featuring an air intake, compressor, combustion chamber and exhaust nozzle, they are the primary means of propulsion for most airplanes. Jet engines work by sucking air into a combustion chamber where … Read More

The use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) is a growing trend in the aviation industry. Ever since the development of the Wright Flyer, most airplanes have used petroleum-based fuel. Some airplanes use aviation gasoline, whereas others use a kerosene fuel like … Read More

Airplanes use different methods for boarding as well as deplaning. Two primary of the most common methods are jetways and airstairs. They both allow passengers to enter and exit airplanes, but they have distinct advantages and drawbacks that affect their … Read More

It’s a common misconception that airplanes don’t have brakes. While they may not have pads and rotors like automobiles, they still have devices used to decrease their airspeed. Known as speed brakes, they play an important role in modern aviation. … Read More

Not all have a single level for passengers. Some of them have two passenger levels. Known as double-decker airplanes, they are bigger than traditional single-decker airplanes. Here are five facts about double-decker airplanes. #1) Originated in the 1950s Double-decker airplanes … Read More

Airplanes are meticulously designed for aerodynamics. By minimizing drag, they are able to fly faster and more efficiently. To achieve an aerodynamic design, airplanes often feature fairings. Here’s everything you need to know about fairings and why airplanes have them. … Read More

There are certain tests that aspiring pilots must take, one of the most important being the checkride. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all pilots, as well as air traffic controllers and flight dispatchers, to pass a practical test. … Read More

Pilots must take into account the wind. Strong wind can manifest in the form of turbulence, which can result in a bumpy or even dangerous flight experience for passengers. There’s also the potential for wind drift. What is wind drift … Read More