What Is Angle of Attack in Flight?

Angle of attack is one of several flight dynamics. Not to be confused with flight path angle. it represents the angle at which the chord of an airplane is formed relative to the angle of the wind. All airplanes have … Read More

5 Things to Consider When Choosing Engine Air Filters

Engines with an air intake often require an air filter. As they suck in air, they will be exposed to airborne particular matter. Without an air filter, particulate matter like dirt and dust will enter the engine’s combustion chamber. Over … Read More

What Are Strap Duplicators and How Do They Work?

Fastening two pieces of sheet metal together requires proper alignment. If you’re going to use rivet-based fasteners, for instance, you’ll need to align the rivet holes. Proper alignment will ensure that the holes are created in the same area on … Read More

Airplane Cowlings Explained: What You Should Know

Most airplanes don’t have exposed engines. Rather, their engines are protected in a cowling. From large commercial jets to private turboprops, many airplanes use cowlings. Even if you’re familiar with the different types of airplane engines, though, you may not … Read More

What Are the Different Types of Threaded Inserts?

Threaded inserts are commonly used to create threaded holes. Also known as threaded bushings, you can push them into a smooth hole. Once installed, threaded inserts will provide threading that supports other threaded fasteners. What are the different types of … Read More

What Is a T-Tail Airplane?

Have you heard of T-tail airplanes? Airplanes are often categorized according to their tail configuration. All airplanes have a tail. Also known as the empennage, it provides stability. In addition to V-tail and twin-tail airplanes, however, there are T-tail airplanes. … Read More

5 Things to Consider When Choosing Rod End Bearings

Are you looking to buy rod ends? Also known as heim and rose joints, they are used to create mechanical joints. Rod end bearings feature a threaded rod that’s attached to a bearing. You can use a rod end to … Read More

What Is Airplane Skin?

Airplanes are methodically manufactured so that they can withstand the harsh environment of high-altitude flights. At 30,000 feet, temperatures can range from minus 40 degrees to minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Along with these subfreezing temperatures, airplanes are exposed to turbulence, … Read More

The Beginner’s Guide to Locking Wire

When installing fasteners on an airplane, you may want to use locking wire. Airplanes feature thousands of fasteners. Over time, some of these fasteners may loosen. Locking wire can “lock” them in place, however, so that they don’t loosen. What … Read More