What Is Material Fatigue in Aviation and How Is It Prevented?

Material fatigue is a concern in aviation safety. Airplanes are exposed to significant mechanical stress during flight. Over time, this can lead to material fatigue that jeopardizes the airplane’s structural integrity. For a better understanding of material fatigue in aviation, … Read More

What Are Sheet Metal Screws Made Of?

Sheet metal screws offer a reliable fastening solution for sheet metal panels. Like all screws, they feature a pointed tip and threaded shank. Sheet metal screws, however, typically have finer and deeper threads than those found on other types of … Read More

6 Facts About Magnetos in Aviation

Magnetos play an important role in modern aviation. These magnetic devices are used to provide ignition for aircraft engines. Magnetos supply spark plugs with an electrical current. Using this electrical current, the spark plugs can ignite the mixture of air … Read More

What Is a Toggle Switch Guard?

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

Twist-On vs Crimp-Style Wire Nuts: What’s the Difference?

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

How Do Aircraft Propellers Produce Thrust?

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

Locking Mechanisms to Prevent Aerospace Fasteners From Loosening

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

Runway Safety Area (RSAs) vs Shoulders: What’s the Difference?

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

Screwlock Assemblies: Everything You Need to Know

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