Aerospace Engineering

Not all runways consist of long, well-paved surfaces. In remote regions, runways may feature gravel or even dirt. Landing on unpaved runways such as these can be challenging. Equally challenging, however, is a short-field landing. Overview of Short-Field Landings A … Read More

It’s no secret that airplanes are noisy. Jet engines can produce over 140 decibels, making them louder than lawnmowers, trains, motorcycles and jackhammers. There are devices, however, to suppress engine noise. Known as mufflers, they are commonly found on automobiles. … Read More

Do you know the difference between a variable pitch and constant speed propeller? Most airplanes are powered by either a turbofan or a turboprop. Turbofans are airbreathing engines that burn fuel and air to generate propulsion, whereas turboprops generate propulsion … Read More

Have you heard of absolute ceiling? Not to be confused with service ceiling, it’s something that all pilots must consider. Different airplanes, however, have different absolute ceilings. What is absolute ceiling exactly, and why is it important? Overview of Absolute … Read More

Have you heard of light sport aircraft (LSA)? Airplanes are often classified according to their size or purpose. Airliners, for instance, are large airplanes that are designed to transport goods and passengers. Some of them have a single aisle of … Read More

The typical cruising altitude for a commercial airliner is about 31,000 to 42,000 feet. After taking off, pilots will climb to this altitude before leveling off. Pilots, however, take into account many factors when deciding the specific altitude for a … Read More

If you own or are thinking of owning a turboprop airplane, you might be wondering whether the propeller blades need to be replaced. Many aircraft parts have a finite lifespan. Landing gear tires, for instance, typically need to be replaced … Read More

Tires are an essential part of a typical airplane’s landing gear. With the exception of seaplanes, which have floats or pontoons that allow for water-based landings, nearly all airplanes have tires. Some airplanes, however, have different types of tires than … Read More

Ever wonder how in-flight internet works? Most homes and businesses leverage a landline connection. Internet service providers (ISPs) run copper or fiber optic lines to their customers, which carry data. Airplanes, of course, don’t have a landline connection, so they … Read More