How Helicopters Protect Against Wire Strikes

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

What Are Close Tolerance Bolts?

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

Aircraft Aluminum: What’s the Difference Between 7178-T6 and 7079-T6?

When researching the different types of aircraft aluminum, you may come across 7178-T6 and 7079-T6. Aluminum is often used in the construction of airplanes. Roughly 80% of a typical Boeing 737, in fact, consists of aluminum. Airplanes don’t use ordinary aluminum, … Read More

Landing Lights: Helping Pilots With Nighttime Landings

A typical commercial airplane features several types of exterior lights. In addition to tax lights, for instance, most of them feature landing lights. When preparing to land at night, pilots will use these lights to improve their visibility. What Are … Read More

Ring vs Spade Terminals: What’s the Difference?

The electrical wires used in airplanes are often fitted with a terminal. Terminals are used to “terminate” an electrical wire. After installing a terminal on an electrical wire, you can connect the wire to the appropriate equipment or system. There … Read More

The Beginner’s Guide to Airplane Spoilers

When most people think of spoilers, they envision the wing-like appendages on the back of cars. Many cars, particularly sports cars, feature a spoiler. By incorporating this aerodynamic appendage into their design, they benefit from improved braking at high speeds … Read More

An Introduction to Stall Strips on Airplanes

When inspecting the leading edge of an airplane’s wing, you may notice that it has small wedge-shaped strips. Known as stall strips, they change the wing’s aerodynamic properties. For a better understanding of stall strips and how they work, keep … Read More

What Are Seaplanes? Get the Facts

Airplanes have changed the way in which we travel. Since their origins in the early 20th century, they’ve opened the doors to faster and more convenient transportation. While most airplanes have a wheel-based landing gear system that requires them to … Read More

5 Common Myths About Hose Clamps

Hos clamps are commonly used in conjunction with fluid- or gas-carrying hoses. They are simple clamping devices that apply pressure to the hose with which they are used. Hoses can leak around fittings. As the fluid or gas inside of … Read More