Aerospace Engineering

Airplanes are meticulously designed for aerodynamics. By minimizing drag, they are able to fly faster and more efficiently. To achieve an aerodynamic design, airplanes often feature fairings. Here’s everything you need to know about fairings and why airplanes have them. … Read More

There are certain tests that aspiring pilots must take, one of the most important being the checkride. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all pilots, as well as air traffic controllers and flight dispatchers, to pass a practical test. … Read More

Pilots must take into account the wind. Strong wind can manifest in the form of turbulence, which can result in a bumpy or even dangerous flight experience for passengers. There’s also the potential for wind drift. What is wind drift … Read More

Do you know the different phases of flight? Piloting an airplane is a complex task. It involves several different flight phases, each of which plays an important role in the operation of modern-day airplanes. For a better understanding of these … Read More

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