Ever wonder how pilots control the altitude of airplanes? Commercial airplanes fly at an altitude of roughly 30,000 feet. At high altitudes such as this, the air is thinner. Thin air creates less drag, allowing airplanes to fly longer distances … Read More

O-rings are used extensively in the aerospace manufacturing industry. Also known as toric joints, they are mechanical seals with a round cross-section. O-rings are placed around shafts and other cylindrical components where they protect against leaks. How are O-rings used … Read More

You can’t ignore the importance of bonding jumpers when building an airplane. Also known as bonding cables, they are used to create a safe pathway for electricity. Electricity typically travels through the path of least resistance. With their highly conductive … Read More

Airplanes typically require a cooling mechanism for their engine or engines. As they burn a mixture of fuel and air, they will produce heat as a byproduct. If left unchecked, this heat can cause catastrophic damage. While most cars and … Read More

Aspect ratio plays an important role in aircraft design. All airplanes have an aspect ratio. Some of them, however, have a higher aspect ratio than others. Whether you’re a pilot, engineer or simply an aviation enthusiast, you might be wondering … Read More

Rivets are commonly used in the aerospace manufacturing industry. Consisting of a mandrel and head, they are permanent fasteners that protect against vibration-related loosening. While you can install some types of rivets using a hammer, others require a special tool … Read More

Light-emitting diode (LED) has become an increasingly popular lighting technology. It’s used in both commercial and consumer lighting applications. Unlike incandescent lighting, LED lighting doesn’t feature a wire filament. LED is a type of electroluminescent lighting that generates light in … Read More

Clevis fasteners are commonly used in the aerospace manufacturing industry. These multipart fasteners allow engineers to quickly and easily secure components. Unlike blind rivets, they don’t require any special tools to install. Clevis fasteners can also be removed to release … Read More

Paint isn’t used strictly for commercial logos and branding on airplanes. Whether it’s a narrow body or wide body, all airplanes require paint to protect them from the elements. It serves as a physical barrier, protecting the underlying fuselage materials … Read More