Aerospace Engineering

Do you know the difference between fuel-injected and carbureted aircraft engines? Whether it’s a small propeller-driven airplane or a wide-body commercial airliner, most airplanes today use one of these two types of engines. Both fuel-injected and carbureted engines burn a … Read More

Of all the different controls in a typical airplane’s cockpit, few are as important as the control yoke. It’s the equivalent of a steering wheel in a car or truck. Pilots can essentially steer and change the airplane’s direction by … Read More

Cowl flaps play an important role in regulating engine temperatures in many airplanes. Located at the bottom of an engine’s cowling, they increase airflow to keep temperatures in check. Air will flow into the cowling and around the engine, thereby … Read More

Flight recorders play an important role in aviation safety. Also known colloquially as “black boxes,” they store data about the airplane with which they are used. If an accident occurs, investigators can analyze the airplane’s black box to determine what … Read More

If you ever step into the cockpit of a light piston airplane, you may discover that it has an exhaust temperature gauge. Also known as an EGT gauge or EGT sensor, it reveals the temperature of the airplane’s exhaust gases. … Read More

As most seasoned pilots know, activating the ignition switch is one of the first steps to taking off from the runway. It’s the equivalent of inserting and turning a key in the ignition of an automobile. The ignition switch will … Read More

The throttle is one of the most important control mechanisms in an airplane. Also known as a throttle lever, it allows pilots to adjust the engine power. Pilots can increase or decrease an engine’s power by pushing or pulling the … Read More

Have you ever looked out the window of a commercial airliner, only to discover a pattern of small cracks in the glass? Upon seeing these cracks, you may assume the window is no longer safe. After all, commercial airliners have … Read More

Ever wonder why commercial airliners have oxygen masks? Before taking off, a flight attendant will typically conduct a safety demonstration. He or she will tell passengers to fasten their seatbelt, secure their luggage and place their table trays in the … Read More