Aerospace Engineering

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

Have you ever stepped aboard a commercial airplane, only to discover the cabin is uncomfortably cold? While cabin temperatures vary, it’s not uncommon for commercial airplanes to maintain a chilly environment of 66 degrees to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. As a … Read More

While flying is undoubtedly safer than driving, neither it nor any other method of transportation is free of accidents. Statistics show, in fact, that approximately 13,000 airplanes in the United States are struck by birds each year. The good news … Read More

At any given time, there are roughly 10,000 airplanes in the skies. Some of these airplanes are small, whereas others are larger with the ability to accommodate more passengers and crew members. Regardless, the majority of airplanes now consist primarily … Read More

Whether it’s powered by Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android operating system, nearly all modern smartphones have airplane mode. Also known as flight mode, it’s a staple feature that, when enabled, disables all radio incoming and outgoing radio signals. The general … Read More