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
They may not carry passengers, but aircraft tugs play an important behind-the-scenes role in the aviation industry. Also known as pushback tractors, they are designed to move airplanes. Airplanes can’t easily move and maneuver on the ground. Tugs, however, are … Read More
Not all washers are the same. While most are used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, some are designed for specific parts, such as fairing washers. What are fairing washers exactly, and what are they used for? Overview … Read More
Ever wonder how air density affects airplanes? Airplanes generate lift primarily by deflecting air downward. Their wings are designed to push air downward, resulting in an equal and opposite reaction that pushes or “lifts” the airplane up. The density of … Read More
