Aerospace Engineering

Do you know the difference between MS and NAS bolts? They are two of the most common types of threaded fasteners used in the aerospace industry. MS and NAS bolts are used in commercial airliners, commuter jets, helicopters and light … Read More

Airplanes are equipped with a variety of lights. In addition to anti-collision lights, there are landing lights. From small private jets to large commercial airliners, they are found on most airplanes. Here’s everything you need to know about landing lights. … Read More

Banked turns are a common flight maneuver in the aviation world. When pilots need to change the heading of an airplane, they will perform this maneuver. Airplanes don’t turn like cars and other land-based vehicles. Instead, they “bank.” For a … Read More

Given its strength, you may assume that steel is one of the most common materials used in the construction of airplanes. Depending on the type, it can have a tensile strength of over 150,000 pounds per square inch (PSI), making … Read More

The turboprop is a common type of aircraft engine. Not to be confused with turbofans, it features an air intake, compressor, combustion chamber and propeller. Air from outside the aircraft enters the turbofan via the air intake. The compressor will … Read More

Ever wonder how jet engines are initially started? Some airplanes are equipped with an auxiliary power unit. Consisting of a separate battery-powered turbine engine, the auxiliary power unit provides the air and electricity needed to start an airplane’s jet engines. … Read More

Do you know the difference between Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)? In the past, pilots often relied on VFR. Thanks to modern advancements in aviation, however, many pilots now use IFR. For a better understanding of … Read More

When researching aviation terms, you may encounter payload. It plays an important role in the safety, fuel efficiency and performance of modern airplanes. Regardless of size, all airplanes have a payload. Pilots and engineers must closely monitor the airplane’s payload … Read More

The advent of the autothrottle has transformed the aviation industry. It allows pilots to easily fine-tune the airplane’s engine power so that they can focus on other in-flight tasks. Prior to its invention, pilots relied on more complex and laborious … Read More