Flight control systems are often categorized according to how they operate. Electrical flight control systems, for instance, operate electrically. They feature an electronic interface, such as a computer, that pilots use to control the aircraft. Also known as fly-by-wire (FBW) … Read More
Whether you’re doing a home project or working on an aircraft, choosing the right type of adhesive is important. Adhesives, of course, are products that cause objects to stick together. They offer a simple and effective way to join two … Read More
Not all fixed-wing aircraft rely strictly on jet engines to generate thrust. Some of them use one or more propellers. Known as turboprop aircraft, they are typically smaller and limited to shorter flights than larger, jet-powered aircraft. There are fixed-pitch … Read More
Ever wonder why airplanes stall at high altitudes? Most commercial airliners have a cruising altitude of about 30,000 feet. The air is thinner at high altitudes such as this, so commercial airliners burn less fuel and experience less turbulence. If … Read More
If you’ve ever watched commercial airliners land on a runway, you may recall seeing their engines open up. There are door-like panels on the sides of jet engines. While these panels typically remain closed during takeoffs, they open during landings. … Read More
Think you know everything there is to know about airplane cabins? All commercial airplanes have a cabin. Located within the fuselage, it’s the main interior section that houses the airplane’s cargo and passengers. Here are five fun facts about cabins. … Read More
Airplanes may not have gas pedals like those found in automobiles, but they do have rudder pedals. Both the pilot and copilot typically have their own pair of rudder pedals. As the name suggests, these specialized pedals are used to … Read More
Solid rivets are one of the most common types of mechanical fasteners used in the aerospace manufacturing industry. Like all rivets, they are designed to resist external forces, such as vibrations. Solid rivets, however, feature a solid construction that distinguishes … Read More
Have you heard of dihedral angles? Most commercial airplanes don’t have completely flat and straight wings. When looking at the tarmac on your next flight, you may notice that they have curved wings. This curvature is represented by a dihedral … Read More
