Line-replaceable units (LRUs) are commonly used in airplanes. Also known as line-replaceable items and line-replaceable components, they consist of aircraft components that can be removed and replaced on the fly. Airplanes are complex vehicles with many different components. When taking … Read More

Airplanes don’t run on the same type of gasoline as cars, trucks and other road vehicles. Whether commercial or private, most airplanes use either jet fuel or aviation fuel. They are the two most common types of airplane fuel. When … Read More

Rivets are commonly used in the aerospace industry to secure two or more parts together. They are permanent fasteners that, once installed, won’t loosen due to vibrations or other external forces. While most rivets feature a cylindrical body, though, they … Read More

Toothed washers have become a popular alternative to traditional washers. Like all washers, they are used in conjunction with a threaded fastener. Washers distribute the load of a threaded fastener. Only toothed washers, however, feature serrations or “teeth.” What are … Read More

Airstairs are a common feature of many commercial airplanes From the Boeing 737 to the Airbus A320, they are used for boarding. Passengers can board the airplane by using its airstairs. What are airstairs exactly, and how do they work? … Read More

Turbofans are commonly used in commercial airliners. Also known as fanjets, they are jet engines that burn fuel and air. Like the internal combustion engines in cars and trucks, turbofans have a combustion chamber. They such air and fuel into … Read More

Airplanes may not have bones, but they do have ribs. Ribs play an important role in the structure of an airplane. From large commercial jets to small commuter airplanes, they serve as the structural foundation of an airplane. What are … Read More

To secure a metal wire or cable, you may need to use a swaging tool. Swaging tools are handheld tools that are designed to create a loop on the end of a metal wire. In many applications — particularly aerospace … Read More

Drain valves are commonly used to remove fluid from storage tanks and systems in airplanes. Like all valves, they regulate the flow of fluid. Drain valves, however, are used specifically for draining fluid. While they are all used for the … Read More