The Beginner’s Guide to Aircraft Shock Absorbers

When inspecting the landing gear on a typical airplane, you can expect to find shock absorbers. There are wheels, and there are shock absorbers. Shock absorbers play an important role in aircraft landing gear by allowing for smooth, safe landings. … Read More

What Are Speed Nuts?

Nuts are commonly used in conjunction with a bolt. To secure two or more parts together, you can place a nut through the parts. You can then twist a nut onto the end of the bolt. While most nuts feature … Read More

The Rise of Composite Airframes

Modern airplanes are no longer limited to aluminum airframes. While many of them do, in fact, contain some aluminum in their respective airframe, many airplanes now feature a composite airframe. The Boeing 787 features a composite airframe. According to the … Read More

5 Benefits of Aircraft Tape

Aircraft tape is a versatile product that all pilots should keep on hand. Also known as speed tape, it’s a type of durable and heavy-duty tape that’s designed for use on airplanes, helicopters and other aircraft. It looks like duct … Read More

What Are ‘Lift Dumpers’ on Airplanes and How Do They Work?

Airplanes feature many different components. While you might be familiar with some of these components, such as the wings and landing gear, there are other components that go unnoticed. Some airplanes feature lift dumpers, for instance. To learn more about … Read More

Turboprop vs Turboshaft Engine: What’s the Difference?

When researching aircraft engines, you may come across turboprop and turboshaft. They are two common types of propeller-based engines. Some airplanes are powered by traditional jet engines, such a turbojet engines. Others, however, are powered by propeller-based engines, such as … Read More

What’s Inside the Nose Cone of a Typical Airplane?

Ever wonder what’s inside the nose cone of an airplane? Most commercial airplanes have a cylindrical tip at the front of the fuselage. Known as the nose can, it’s the forwardmost section. While some people assume that airplanes have an … Read More

What Is an Ice Detection System?

Ice isn’t just a concern for drivers on the road; it’s a concern for pilots as well. Ice may form on the body of an airplane while subsequently affecting the airplane’s lift, angle of attack and other flight dynamics. There … Read More

Pushbacks: Why Airplanes Must Be Towed on the Runway

It’s not uncommon for ground support equipment to tow airplanes on the runway prior to takeoff. After all of the passengers have boarded, ground support equipment will manually tow the airplane away from the gate. The pilot will then start … Read More