A screw’s thread pitch plays an important role in its holding power. Screws with a fine thread pitch typically have greater holding power than those with a coarser thread pitch. What is thread pitch exactly, and how does it affect … Read More

Airplanes are often classified according to how many aisles of passenger seats they have. There are wide-body airplanes, and there are narrow-body airplanes. Wide-body airplanes have a single aisle of passenger seats, whereas narrow-body airplanes only have one aisle of … Read More

Locking wire offers a quick and effective way to secure fasteners. Also known as safety wire, it consists of flexible metal wire. You can wrap locking wire around bolts, screws, pins and other fasteners to prevent them from loosening. If … Read More

Relative wind is an important concept in aviation. Whether it’s a small Cessna 172 or a jumbo-sized Airbus A320, all airplanes are affected by the wind. It can affect their speed, fuel efficiency and overall performance. Pilots must understand the … Read More

Airplanes have revolutionized the way in which we travel. With the cruising speed of commercial airliners reaching about 475 to 575 mph, they allow passengers to quickly reach their destinations — without encountering traffic. While they have a superior level … Read More

They may not be the most talked-about components in aviation, but aerospace grommets play a crucial role in protecting parts from damage. Also known as eyelets, they consist of a ring-shaped piece of material. Grommets are designed to reinforce holes … Read More

Statistics show that roughly 7% of all commercial aircraft accidents involve stalls. When an aircraft experiences a stall, it will no longer produce sufficient lift. The engine or engines will likely continue to run. Instead, the aircraft’s angle of attack … Read More

Washers offer a simple but effective way to protect fastened parts from tension-related damage, such as cracking. With their flat, disc-like shape, they distribute the load of threaded fasteners across a larger area. As you drive a threaded fastener into … Read More

Ever notice how most airplanes have curved tips at the end of their wings? Known as winglets, they are a common feature of commercial jets. Boeing 737 jets and Airbus A320 jets, for instance, have winglets. Their wings aren’t completely … Read More