Airplanes have revolutionized the way in which we travel. With the cruising speed of commercial airliners reaching about 475 to 575 mph, they allow passengers to quickly reach their destinations — without encountering traffic. While they have a superior level … Read More
They may not be the most talked-about components in aviation, but aerospace grommets play a crucial role in protecting parts from damage. Also known as eyelets, they consist of a ring-shaped piece of material. Grommets are designed to reinforce holes … Read More
Statistics show that roughly 7% of all commercial aircraft accidents involve stalls. When an aircraft experiences a stall, it will no longer produce sufficient lift. The engine or engines will likely continue to run. Instead, the aircraft’s angle of attack … Read More
Washers offer a simple but effective way to protect fastened parts from tension-related damage, such as cracking. With their flat, disc-like shape, they distribute the load of threaded fasteners across a larger area. As you drive a threaded fastener into … Read More
Ever notice how most airplanes have curved tips at the end of their wings? Known as winglets, they are a common feature of commercial jets. Boeing 737 jets and Airbus A320 jets, for instance, have winglets. Their wings aren’t completely … Read More
When shopping for fasteners, you may come across the term “class threads.” Many screws, bolts and other types of fasteners have threads. Consisting of helical grooves or ridges, they allow fasteners to connect with each other. The tolerances of these … Read More
Ever wonder how an airplane’s center of gravity affects its stability? Regardless of size or shape, all objects have a center of gravity. It’s the point where the object’s weight is concentrated and, thus, acts as a balancing point. Like … Read More
Turbofans have revolutionized the aviation industry. Not to be confused with turbojets, turbofans now power nearly all commercial airliners. Most commercial airliners feature one or more turbofans. Turbofans are airbreathing jet engines with an air intake, combustion chamber and an … Read More
Have you heard of downwash? It’s an important concept in the aviation industry. From small single-engine airplanes like the Cessna 172 to jumbo-sized commercial jets like the A380, all airplanes rely on air movement to generate lift. As air moves … Read More
