Aerospace Engineering

Whether you’re a pilot, an aviation mechanic, or you simply enjoy learning about airplanes, you’ve probably heard of maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). It’s an important specification to which all airplanes must adhere. For a better understanding of MTOW in aviation … Read More

When an airplane approaches an airport, passengers typically expect it to land. There are instances, however, in which airplanes may circle over the runway before landing. Known as a go-around, it’s a common procedure in commercial aviation. What Is a … Read More

Ever wonder why the cabin windows in most airplanes don’t fog up? Most automobiles experience fogged-up windows from time to time, so conventional wisdom may lead you to believe that airplanes experience them as well. After all, the high altitudes … Read More

Flight control systems are often categorized according to how they operate. Electrical flight control systems, for instance, operate electrically. They feature an electronic interface, such as a computer, that pilots use to control the aircraft. Also known as fly-by-wire (FBW) … Read More

Not all fixed-wing aircraft rely strictly on jet engines to generate thrust. Some of them use one or more propellers. Known as turboprop aircraft, they are typically smaller and limited to shorter flights than larger, jet-powered aircraft. There are fixed-pitch … Read More

Ever wonder why airplanes stall at high altitudes? Most commercial airliners have a cruising altitude of about 30,000 feet. The air is thinner at high altitudes such as this, so commercial airliners burn less fuel and experience less turbulence. If … Read More

If you’ve ever watched commercial airliners land on a runway, you may recall seeing their engines open up. There are door-like panels on the sides of jet engines. While these panels typically remain closed during takeoffs, they open during landings. … Read More

Think you know everything there is to know about airplane cabins? All commercial airplanes have a cabin. Located within the fuselage, it’s the main interior section that houses the airplane’s cargo and passengers. Here are five fun facts about cabins. … Read More

Airplanes may not have gas pedals like those found in automobiles, but they do have rudder pedals. Both the pilot and copilot typically have their own pair of rudder pedals. As the name suggests, these specialized pedals are used to … Read More