Toggle switches are commonly found in aircraft cockpits. They typically feature an ON-OFF position that, as the name suggests, can be toggled. Fuel pumps, navigation lights, beacon lights and various avionics, for instance, are often controlled with a toggle switch. … Read More
Wire nuts offer an easy and effective way to connect two or more wires. Also known as wire caps, they consist of a cylindrical hollow tube that’s open on one end. After stripping insulation off the wires, you can place … Read More
Propellers play an important role in modern aviation. Consisting of a central hub with multiple branching blades, they are used to produce thrust. Some airplanes use jet engines to produce thrust, whereas others use propellers. When compared to jet engines, … Read More
Ever wonder what locking mechanisms engineers use to prevent aerospace fasteners from loosening midflight? Airplanes rely on fasteners to create strong joints and hold various parts together. A typical Boeing 767, in fact, has nearly 2 million fasteners. Even smaller … Read More
Runways play an important role in commercial aviation. Consisting of a flat rectangular-shaped surface, they are used for takeoffs and landings. Major airports typically have paved runways with concrete or asphalt, but many smaller airports have dirt or gravel runways. … Read More
Have you heard of screwlock assemblies? They are commonly used in the aviation industry. Airplanes, of course, produce vibrations. If left unchecked, these vibrations can cause electrical connectors and components to come loose. Screwlock assemblies, however, offer a simple and … Read More
When researching aviation concepts, you may come across glide aviation. All fixed-wing aircraft are capable of gliding. It’s the result of their aerodynamic shape, which is largely attributed to their wings. Glide ratio represents how well an airplane can glide. … Read More
Airports have revolutionized the way in which we travel. As you may know, they are facilities where airplanes take off and land. Airports typically feature runways, taxiways, terminals, cargo areas and various support buildings. Even if you’ve traveled through an … Read More
Differential pressure is an important concept in aviation. Air pressure, of course, changes in relation to altitude. As the altitude of an airplane increases, the air pressure decreases. This is due to the fact that air molecules are spread farther … Read More
