Can Airplanes Hydroplane on the Runway?

Ever wonder if airplanes can hydroplane on the runway? Not all flights occur when the sky is clear and sunny. As long as the weather isn’t severe, many airplanes will take off and land in the rain. As a result, … Read More

What’s the Difference Between Subsonic and Supersonic Flight?

Do you know the difference between subsonic and supersonic flight? Like automobiles, airplanes have become faster over the years. The Wright Flyer, for instance, topped out at just 30 mph, whereas commercial airliners can reach speeds of 500 to 500 … Read More

The Beginner’s Guide to Cap Nuts

When shopping for nuts, you may come across cap nuts. They typically feature the same hexagonal threaded interior — just like traditional nuts. Cap nuts, however, don’t have an open design. They are known as “cap nuts” because they are … Read More

How to Make Your Drill Bits Last Longer

Are you tired of constantly replacing your drill bits? Consisting of metal rods with helical grooves, drill bits are designed to cut holes in solid objects. Friction and stress, however, can cause them to degrade. The tip may gradually wear … Read More

6 Facts About Oil Used in Aircraft Engines

Oil isn’t limited to automotive engines. Whether it’s a small commuter plane or a wide-body commercial airliner, nearly all aircraft engines use it as well. Oil is typically added to new aircraft engines, and it’s replaced at specific intervals. Here … Read More

What Is Flight Test Instrumentation?

Flight test instrumentation plays an important role in the development of new types of aircraft. To earn their certification, new airplanes must undergo testing. Flight test instrumentation is a part of this testing process. What is flight test instrumentation exactly, … Read More

5 Common Uses for Washers

Along with nuts and bolts, washers are one of the most commonly used fasteners. They typically consist of a ring-shaped piece of metal with a threaded interior. Before placing a bolt through two objects that require joining, you run the … Read More

The Different Types of Aircraft Paint

Airplanes are typically painted for both aesthetics and functional purposes. It allows commercial airlines to display their logos and other forms of branding while also protecting airplanes from environmental-related damage. There are several different types of aircraft paint, however, each … Read More

Antiskid Systems: How Airplanes Land Without Without Skidding

Ever wonder how airplanes are able to land without skidding? It’s not uncommon for airplanes to touch the runway at speeds of up to 180 mph. In some cases, pilots must also deal with inclement weather. Most airplanes, however, are … Read More