Exploring 3 Common Types of Turbofan Engines

Turbofan engines are synonymous with modern-day airplanes. Also known as fanjets, they are airbreathing engines that generate propulsion by releasing a stream of air and combustion gas out a nozzle. Most commercial airplanes are powered by turbofan engines. While they … Read More

6 Facts About Regional Airliners

Not all airliners are narrow body or wide body. There are also regional airliners, which are characterized by their small size. Regional airliners have fewer than 100 seats. They are still used by commercial airlines to provide flight services, but … Read More

What Is an Airbreathing Jet Engine?

Airbreathing jet engines play an important role in the commercial aviation industry. While smaller commercial airplanes are often powered by one or more propeller engines, such as a turboprop, larger commercial airplanes typically use airbreathing jet engines. As propulsion generators, … Read More

How Long Do Landing Gear Tires Last?

Ever wonder how often landing gear tires last? With the exception of seaplanes, most airplanes have multiple tires as part of their landing gear assemblies. The Boeing 777, for instance, features over a dozen tires. They are designed to absorb … Read More

Airspeed vs Groundspeed: What’s the Difference?

Do you know the difference between airspeed and groundspeed? In the world of aviation, they are two essential flight metrics that pilots must monitor. While airspeed and groundspeed may sound self-explanatory, however, they each use their own formula. Here’s everything … Read More

5 Common Types of Electronic Flight Instruments

Flight instruments play an important role in modern airplanes. Found in the cockpit, they consist of displays, gauges and control panels. In the past, airplanes used analog flight instruments. Modern airplanes, however, now use electronic flight instruments. Here are five … Read More

How Do Pilots Control the Altitude of an Airplane During Flight?

Ever wonder how pilots control the altitude of airplanes? Commercial airplanes fly at an altitude of roughly 30,000 feet. At high altitudes such as this, the air is thinner. Thin air creates less drag, allowing airplanes to fly longer distances … Read More

Cowl Flaps: A Simple But Effective Cooling Solution for Engines

Airplanes typically require a cooling mechanism for their engine or engines. As they burn a mixture of fuel and air, they will produce heat as a byproduct. If left unchecked, this heat can cause catastrophic damage. While most cars and … Read More

What Is Aspect Ratio in Aircraft Design and Why Does It Matter?

Aspect ratio plays an important role in aircraft design. All airplanes have an aspect ratio. Some of them, however, have a higher aspect ratio than others. Whether you’re a pilot, engineer or simply an aviation enthusiast, you might be wondering … Read More