An Introduction to Turn and Slip Indicators

Airplanes are equipped with a variety of flight instruments. In the cockpit, most airplanes have a turn and slip indicator. It’s part of the “six pack.” The term “six pack” refers to a collection of a half-dozen flight instruments for … Read More

How to Choose Clevis Pins

Are you looking to buy clevis pins? Clevis pins offer a convenient alternative to traditional fasteners like bolts and rivets. As shown in the adjacent photo, they feature a flat head and a cylindrical shank. Near the bottom of the … Read More

What Is Tailwheel-Type Landing Gear?

When researching some of the different types of landing gear, you may encounter tailwheel. All airplanes require landing gear. Typically consisting of wheels, shocks and brakes, it allows airplanes to safely land. While some airplanes use tricycle-type landing gear, though, … Read More

Air Cycle Machines: How Airplanes Regulate Cabin Air

Most airplanes rely on air cycle machines to regulate the air inside of their respective cabin. Some airplanes have two air cycle machines, whereas others have three or more air cycle machines. With air cycle machines, passengers won’t have to … Read More

What is a Mode Control Panel?

Airplanes are equipped with a variety of instruments and controls in the cockpit, one of the most important being a mode control panel. Most commercial airplanes feature a mode control panel. During flight, pilots will use it to control their … Read More

An Introduction to Bleed Air in Airplanes

Airplanes need air for a variety of purposes. Fortunately, they can get this air from their engines. Known as bleed air, engines will generate it naturally. Airplanes don’t have to use separate devices or systems to generate air. As long … Read More

What Are Fluting Pliers?

Building an airplane requires the right tools. Fluting tools, for instance, are commonly used in the aerospace manufacturing industry. Nearly all airplanes feature multiple sheets of metal or alloy. With a pair of fluting pliers, you can create flutes in … Read More

Wide-Body Airplanes: Everything You Need to Know

Wide-body airplanes are commonly used in the commercial airline industry. All of the top commercial airlines have wide-body airplanes in their respective fleets. Even if you aren’t familiar with them, you’ve probably seen a wide-body airplane before. What are wide-body … Read More

What Is a Turbofan?

Turbofans are one of the most common types of jet engines. They are propulsion systems that burn fuel and air. From the Boeing 787 to the Airbus A850, some of the world’s most popular commercial airliners are powered by turbofans. … Read More