Aerospace Engineering

Have you heard of T-tail airplanes? Airplanes are often categorized according to their tail configuration. All airplanes have a tail. Also known as the empennage, it provides stability. In addition to V-tail and twin-tail airplanes, however, there are T-tail airplanes. … Read More

Airplanes are methodically manufactured so that they can withstand the harsh environment of high-altitude flights. At 30,000 feet, temperatures can range from minus 40 degrees to minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Along with these subfreezing temperatures, airplanes are exposed to turbulence, … Read More

When installing fasteners on an airplane, you may want to use locking wire. Airplanes feature thousands of fasteners. Over time, some of these fasteners may loosen. Locking wire can “lock” them in place, however, so that they don’t loosen. What … Read More

Airplanes are often designed with a variety of wing devices. Gurney flaps are among the smallest wing devices. Located on the trailing edge of an airplane’s wings, they affect air pressure. Not all airplanes have gurney flaps. Since being introduced … Read More

Airplanes are equipped with several different types of lights. In addition to landing lights, for instance, they feature anti-collision lights. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all airplanes to have them. What are anti-collision lights exactly, and how do … Read More

Airplanes are regularly exposed to stress. Commercial airplanes, for instance, typically have pressurized cabins that mimic the atmosphere of 7,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level. All of this pressure will push against the inner walls of the airplane’s body. … Read More

When most people think of spark plugs, they envision automotive engines. Most automotive engines have a single spark plug per cylinder. As shown in the adjacent illustration, they are small conductive devices that are designed to generate a spark. But … Read More

Unlike with cars and other land vehicles, most airplanes aren’t powered by a single engine. They typically feature multiple engines. The Boeing 737 and the Airbus A300, for instance, feature two engines. The Boeing 787 and the Airbus A380, on … Read More

Airplanes feature a variety of flight control surfaces, including horizontal stabilizers. Also known as tailplanes, horizontal stabilizers are adjustable flaps located on the tail of an airplane. They are used primarily to stabilize airplanes while simultaneously increasing lift. Not all … Read More