What Is Wing Planform in Aerospace Design?

Aerospace design encompasses many different concepts, one of which is wing planform. All fixed-wing aircraft have a wing planform. It represents the shape of a fixed-wing aircraft. But wing planform affects more than just the aircraft’s appearance. To learn more … Read More

How Do Airplanes Communicate with Air Traffic Control?

Statistics show that there are nearly 10,000 active flights at any given time. Even with all of these flights, accidents are rare. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the accident rate for airplanes is roughly 1.21 per million sectors, … Read More

When to Use Cupped Washers: What You Should Know

Cupped washers have become a popular alternative to traditional flat washers. Like all washers, they are used to distribute the load of a fastener. You can secure two or more objects together by driving a threaded fastener, such as a … Read More

What Are Grease Fittings Used For?

Grease fittings offer a simple and effective way to protect mechanical components from friction-related damage. Also known as zerk fittings, they are designed to feed lubricant. With a constant supply of lubricant, mechanical parts won’t be exposed to premature wear … Read More

What Is Thrust-to-Weight Ratio and Why Is It Important?

Are you familiar with thrust-to-weight ratio? It’s commonly used in the aviation industry. Commercial airlines must consider their airplanes’ thrust-to-weight ratio. Among other things, it will affect an airplane’s ability to take off, climb and maneuver. What is thrust-to-weight ratio … Read More

The Beginner’s Guide to High-Speed Steel (HSS) Drill Bits

When shopping for drill bits, you may come across high-speed steel (HSS). They are a popular choice for consumer and commercial drilling applications alike. HSS drill bits, however, aren’t the same as conventional steel drill bits. What Are HSS Drill … Read More

How Do Airplanes Manage Fuel Consumption During Long-Haul Flights?

Fuel consumption is a concern for long-haul flights. Some flights only last about a half-hour. Others, however, last for up to 12 hours. Known as long-haul flights, they require more fuel than shorter flights. There are ways for airplanes to … Read More

What Are COTS Connectors and How Do They Work?

When shopping for electrical connectors, you may come across commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) connectors. They are versatile, cost-effective connectors that are used in a variety of industries, including the aerospace industry. What are COTS connectors exactly, and how do they work? … Read More

6 Interesting Facts About Tailplanes

Tailplanes play an important role in modern-day aviation. Also known as horizontal stabilizers, they are lifting surfaces located on the tail of an airplane. Airplanes, of course, rely on more than just their wings to generate lift; they feature other … Read More