If you’ve ever stepped into a cockpit, you may recall seeing a collection of small lights. Known as indicator lights, they provide pilots with real-time insight into various systems. Some indicator lights are mounted on annunciator panels, whereas others are … Read More
Climbing is one of the most important phases of flight. As you may know, it involves an airplane ascending or “climbing” to a higher altitude. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) typically requires airplanes to fly at least 1,000 feet … Read More
A bolt alone isn’t always enough to hold two or more parts together. While some bolts are self-anchoring, such as lag bolts, most require a nut. You can drive a bolt through the parts. You can then twist a nut … Read More
Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or a once-a-year air traveler, you’ve probably heard of the “final approach.” It’s a term used extensively in the aviation industry. All flights have a final approach. What is the final approach in aviation, and … Read More
Rivets are synonymous with aerospace manufacturing. From small piston-engine aircraft like the Cessna 172 to large commercial jets like the Airbus A380, most airplanes use rivets in their construction. These permanent fasteners create strong joints that are better protected from … Read More
Designing a new airplane is a time-consuming and methodical process. It took Boeing nearly a decade to design the 787, and it took Airbus nearly 15 years to design the A380. Testing is one of the most time-consuming processes when … Read More
Ever wonder why so many commercial jets have their engines mounted under their wings? Wing-mounted engines are common in the commercial aviation industry. With the exception of small and mid-size jets, most commercial jets have wing-mounted engines. They offer several … Read More
The integrity of a hose is only as good as the clamps with which it’s used. Hoses typically carry fluids like coolant or oil. When heated, these fluids will expand, thereby pressurizing the hose. Low-quality or poorly installed clamps may … Read More
Airbreathing engines are common in the aviation industry. With the exception of electric and hybrid models, most aircraft engines use air for combustion. They mix and fuel in an enclosed space known as a combustion chamber, after which they ignite … Read More
