Are you familiar with the different types of airspeed? While cars, trucks and other vehicles on the road typically have a single speed metric, airplanes have several speed metrics. They include indicated airspeed (AIS), true airspeed (TAS) and ground speed … Read More

Stabilizers are an important part of most airplanes. Located on the tail assembly, they live up to their namesake by providing stability. Stabilizers are essentially aerodynamic surfaces that stabilize the airplanes with which they are used. Here are six facts … Read More

T-tail empennages are undoubtedly popular. They are characterized by their T-shape design consisting of a single vertical stabilizer and a horizontal stabilizer. All airplanes have an empennage. Also known as the tail assembly, it’s the structure on the back of … Read More

Loop clamps are commonly used to secure hoses around fittings. They consist of a single, solid piece of metal that’s shaped like a loop. At the base of a loop clamp is a pair of prongs. To install a loop … Read More

Fasteners aren’t limited to nuts and bolts. There are many other types of fasteners available, such as quarter-turn fasteners. Also known as quick-release fasteners, they are easy to use. You can quickly install them, and you can quickly remove them. … Read More

Not all greases are made equally. Some of them are intended specifically for airplanes and other types of aircraft. Known as aviation grease, it can withstand the elements while offering a high level of protection against friction and corrosion. What … Read More

If you’ve ever seen a photo of the Covnair 900 (depicted in the adjacent photo) or the Fokker 100, you may notice that the top of the wings aren’t completely flat. Both of these airplanes have several pod-shaped attachments on … Read More

Wire strikes are a concern for helicopters. According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), they account for nearly 6% of all single-turbine helicopter accidents and a little over 4% of all twin-turbine helicopter accidents. Wire strikes often involve power … Read More

Close tolerance bolts are commonly used in the aerospace manufacturing industry. They are threaded fasteners that feature a shank and head. The shank is threaded, thus allowing them to be driven into a threaded hole. Close tolerance bolts, however, are … Read More