Aerospace Engineering

As airplanes ascend higher into the sky, they pump air into the cabin space to pressurize it. All commercial airplanes have pressurized cabins such as this. It doesn’t just create a more comfortable environment for passengers. Rather, cabin pressurization is … Read More

Originally introduced in 1958 with Pan American World Airways, the Boeing 707 is one of the world’s most iconic airplanes. The narrow-body airplane has made its way across the world while reaching countless commercial airlines in the process. While you’ve … Read More

Airplanes rely on landing gear to safely take off and land. Located in the undercarriage, it consists of wheels that essentially allow airplanes to drive or roll on the runway. Without landing gear, airplanes wouldn’t be able to safely land. … Read More

Research shows flying is approximately 19 times safer than driving. There are over 260 million registered passenger vehicles in the United States, so the risk of a collision when driving is naturally greater than that of flying in an airplane. … Read More

Ever wonder how airplanes communicate to air traffic controllers on the ground when flying over the ocean? Air traffic controllers typically track airplanes using radar technology, which is only effective for up to 200 miles offshore. After flying farther than … Read More

If you’ve flown on a commercial airplane during the nighttime hours, you may recall seeing the cabin lights dim during takeoff and landing. Once the sun goes down, the cabin lights typically turn on to illuminate the plane’s interior. During … Read More

Ever wonder why airplanes have a vertical tail? Wings, of course, are horizontal to create lift, so conventional wisdom may lead you to believe that a horizontal tail is more effective than a vertical tail. While airplanes often have horizontal … Read More

Heavy snowfall poses a major safety hazard to motorists. As it melts and refreezes, it can create slick roads that prevent cars and trucks from creating traction. While there aren’t any roads in the skies, airplanes are still susceptible to … Read More

Along with the wings, tail, landing gear and cockpit, the fuselage is one of the main components of a typical airplane. Based on its name, many people assume it’s responsible for holding or storing fuel. The term “fuselage,” however, comes … Read More