Aerospace Engineering

Locking wire offers a quick and effective way to secure fasteners. Also known as safety wire, it consists of flexible metal wire. You can wrap locking wire around bolts, screws, pins and other fasteners to prevent them from loosening. If … Read More

Relative wind is an important concept in aviation. Whether it’s a small Cessna 172 or a jumbo-sized Airbus A320, all airplanes are affected by the wind. It can affect their speed, fuel efficiency and overall performance. Pilots must understand the … Read More

Airplanes have revolutionized the way in which we travel. With the cruising speed of commercial airliners reaching about 475 to 575 mph, they allow passengers to quickly reach their destinations — without encountering traffic. While they have a superior level … Read More

Statistics show that roughly 7% of all commercial aircraft accidents involve stalls. When an aircraft experiences a stall, it will no longer produce sufficient lift. The engine or engines will likely continue to run. Instead, the aircraft’s angle of attack … Read More

Ever notice how most airplanes have curved tips at the end of their wings? Known as winglets, they are a common feature of commercial jets. Boeing 737 jets and Airbus A320 jets, for instance, have winglets. Their wings aren’t completely … Read More

Ever wonder how an airplane’s center of gravity affects its stability? Regardless of size or shape, all objects have a center of gravity. It’s the point where the object’s weight is concentrated and, thus, acts as a balancing point. Like … Read More

Turbofans have revolutionized the aviation industry. Not to be confused with turbojets, turbofans now power nearly all commercial airliners. Most commercial airliners feature one or more turbofans. Turbofans are airbreathing jet engines with an air intake, combustion chamber and an … Read More

Have you heard of downwash? It’s an important concept in the aviation industry. From small single-engine airplanes like the Cessna 172 to jumbo-sized commercial jets like the A380, all airplanes rely on air movement to generate lift. As air moves … Read More

Ice formation is a common phenomenon with airplanes. As they ascend, airplanes are exposed to cooler air. The air temperature at 35,000 — the cruising altitude for most commercial airliners — is around minus 50 degrees to minus 60 degrees … Read More