Aerospace Engineering

Load factor is a frequently misunderstood term in the aviation industry. All airplanes have surfaces that produce lift. Known as lifting surfaces, they feature an aerodynamic design that allows air to flow under and over them. The pressure difference between … Read More

When most people think of aircraft, they envision jet- or propeller-powered airplanes. Jet airplanes use one or more jet engines to burn a mixture or gas. This process, known as combustion, creates hot exhaust gases that propel the airplane forward. … Read More

Coolant is an essential automotive fluid, but you won’t find it in most airplanes. Whether it’s a small Cessna 172 or a jumbo-sized Airbus A380, most airplanes don’t use it. Airplanes use other types of fluid, such as oil and … Read More

Have you heard of hand propping? If so, you might be wondering how it works. Most propeller-driven airplanes are equipped with an electric starter. After turning on the fuel selector and setting the throttle to idle, pilots can activate the … Read More

Hail is a relatively common weather phenomenon. Statistics show that the United States experiences an average of 158 days of hail per year. It involves frozen precipitation that manifests in the form of balls or clumps of ice. Given that … Read More

A typical jet engine has thousands of different parts, one of the most important being the air intake. Regardless of size, all jet engines have an air intake. It’s designed to funnel air into the engine so that it can … Read More

Not all runways consist of long, well-paved surfaces. In remote regions, runways may feature gravel or even dirt. Landing on unpaved runways such as these can be challenging. Equally challenging, however, is a short-field landing. Overview of Short-Field Landings A … Read More

It’s no secret that airplanes are noisy. Jet engines can produce over 140 decibels, making them louder than lawnmowers, trains, motorcycles and jackhammers. There are devices, however, to suppress engine noise. Known as mufflers, they are commonly found on automobiles. … Read More

Do you know the difference between a variable pitch and constant speed propeller? Most airplanes are powered by either a turbofan or a turboprop. Turbofans are airbreathing engines that burn fuel and air to generate propulsion, whereas turboprops generate propulsion … Read More