Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or a student in training, you’ve probably heard of preflight checklists. It plays an important role in aviation safety by ensuring that pilots don’t forget any critical tasks. Pilots will start at the top of … Read More
Choosing the right drill bit is important when dealing with tough materials. While an inexpensive aluminum drill bit may suffice for wood, harder and stronger materials require a different approach. Fortunately, drill bits are available in a variety of styles, … Read More
Are you familiar with aircraft firewalls? Not to be confused with the digital cybersecurity tool of the same name, a firewall is a wall-like fireproof structure. It’s used to control and prevent fires from spreading. If a fire breaks out, … Read More
Cotter pins offer an easy and reliable way to hold metal rods in place. Also known as cotter keys, they consist of a single U-shaped piece of metal. The two tines are typically the same length or nearly the same … Read More
Not all airplanes have fixed, unmovable tail assemblies. Whether it’s a small Cessna 172 or a jumbo-sized Airbus A380, it will likely have two horizontally hinged surfaces known as elevators. Here are six facts about elevators and how they work. … Read More
You don’t have to rely on soldering or heat shrink tubing to join electrical wires. There are other solutions available, such as crimp splice connectors. Also known as butt splice connectors, they consist of an insulated outer sleeve and a … Read More
Bolts are commonly used in the construction of airplanes and other types of aircraft. Consisting of a threaded shank and an integrated head, they are used to fasten two or more parts. Bolts, however, are available in different styles, such … Read More
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
Washers are commonly used to protect parts from stress-induced damage. These flat, disc-shaped fasteners are designed to distribute the load of a bolt or screw. Rather than driving a bolt or screw directly through an object, you can drive it … Read More