Aerospace Engineering

Ice building is a concern for airplanes powered by carburetor engines. When the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, moisture may condense and freeze on the carburetor’s throttle valve and other components. If left unchecked, icing such as this may … Read More

When researching leading-edge extensions, you may come across dogtooth extensions. The leading edge of an airplane’s wings typically isn’t straight. Instead, it has several extensions, such as a slat and dogtooth extension. Overview of Dogtooth Extensions A dogtooth extension is … Read More

Stalling is a concern for pilots. When the critical angle attack of an airplane’s wings is exceeded, the amount of lift generated by the airplane will decrease and its drag will increase. This phenomenon is known as a stall, and … Read More

Have you heard of touch-and-go landings? It’s a common flight maneuver performed by pilots in training. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), commercial pilots need 1,500 hours of training. During their training, many pilots will perform touch-and-go landings to … Read More

Airplanes today are no longer made entirely of traditional metals and alloys. Many of them now feature composite materials in their construction. Composite materials are characterized by the use of multiple materials, such as a reinforcing fiber and a matrix. … Read More

Weighing luggage is a common practice in the commercial aviation industry. Whether you’re taking a domestic or international flight, the airline will probably weigh your luggage prior to boarding. If your luggage exceeds the airline’s maximum weight, you may have … Read More

Airplanes rely on fuel to power their engines. Most airplanes use a specific type of kerosene-based jet fuel, such as Jet A, Jet A1 or Jet B. Kerosene-based fuels such as these have a higher flash point than gasoline, meaning … Read More

Commercial airliners have evolved over the years to offer passengers a more enjoyable and comfortable experience. In addition to upgraded seats and free in-flight meals, many of them feature Passenger Service Units (PSUs). What are PSUs exactly, and why do … Read More

Runways play an essential role in commercial aviation. As you may know, they are stretches of natural or manmade surfaces on the ground that airplanes use for takeoffs and landings. All airports have runways. They provide pilots with a safe … Read More