What Are Passenger Service Units?

Commercial airliners have evolved over the years to offer passengers a more enjoyable and comfortable experience. In addition to upgraded seats and free in-flight meals, many of them feature Passenger Service Units (PSUs). What are PSUs exactly, and why do … Read More

6 Facts About Airport Runways

Runways play an essential role in commercial aviation. As you may know, they are stretches of natural or manmade surfaces on the ground that airplanes use for takeoffs and landings. All airports have runways. They provide pilots with a safe … Read More

Do Airplanes Have Windshield Wipers?

Windshield wipers aren’t limited to cars, trucks and other automobiles. They are commonly found on many other types of vehicles, including airplanes. Commercial airplanes use windshield wipers to improve visibility during bad weather. When activated, the wipers will move back … Read More

Airplane Seats: What Is Seat Pitch?

If you work in the aviation industry, you may have heard of the term “seat pitch.” It’s commonly used to describe the legroom in cabins. For a better understanding of seat pitch, keep reading. Overview of Seat Pitch Seat pitch … Read More

Piston vs Turboprop Airplanes: What’s the Difference?

Do you know the difference between piston and turboprop airplanes? Whether it’s a private or commercial, wide body or narrow body, all airplanes have one or more engines. Engines generate thrust, which propels airplanes through the air so that they … Read More

What Is Maximum Takeoff Weight in Aviation?

Whether you’re a pilot, an aviation mechanic, or you simply enjoy learning about airplanes, you’ve probably heard of maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). It’s an important specification to which all airplanes must adhere. For a better understanding of MTOW in aviation … Read More

Go-Arounds: Why Airplanes Circle Over Runways

When an airplane approaches an airport, passengers typically expect it to land. There are instances, however, in which airplanes may circle over the runway before landing. Known as a go-around, it’s a common procedure in commercial aviation. What Is a … Read More

Window Defogging: How Airplanes Maintain Clear Windows

Ever wonder why the cabin windows in most airplanes don’t fog up? Most automobiles experience fogged-up windows from time to time, so conventional wisdom may lead you to believe that airplanes experience them as well. After all, the high altitudes … Read More

What Is a Hydro-Mechanical Flight Control System?

Flight control systems are often categorized according to how they operate. Electrical flight control systems, for instance, operate electrically. They feature an electronic interface, such as a computer, that pilots use to control the aircraft. Also known as fly-by-wire (FBW) … Read More