Washers: Should You Choose Thick or Thin?

You can’t ignore the thickness when shopping for washers. Washers are available in different sizes. Some of them have a wider inside diameter than others, which allows them to accommodate equally wide screws and bolts. Some washers are also thicker … Read More

What Is Wind Drift and How Does It Affect Airplanes?

Pilots must take into account the wind. Strong wind can manifest in the form of turbulence, which can result in a bumpy or even dangerous flight experience for passengers. There’s also the potential for wind drift. What is wind drift … Read More

Understanding the Phases of Flight

Do you know the different phases of flight? Piloting an airplane is a complex task. It involves several different flight phases, each of which plays an important role in the operation of modern-day airplanes. For a better understanding of these … Read More

What Is Load Factor and Why Does It Matter?

Load factor is a frequently misunderstood term in the aviation industry. All airplanes have surfaces that produce lift. Known as lifting surfaces, they feature an aerodynamic design that allows air to flow under and over them. The pressure difference between … Read More

Things to Consider When Choosing Aviation Snips

Aviation snips offer an easy and effective way to cut sheet metal. Also known as sheet snips, they feature a scissor-like design with a pair of blades. As you squeeze the handle, the blades will collapse while slicing through sheet … Read More

5 Facts About Lighter-Than-Air Aircraft

When most people think of aircraft, they envision jet- or propeller-powered airplanes. Jet airplanes use one or more jet engines to burn a mixture or gas. This process, known as combustion, creates hot exhaust gases that propel the airplane forward. … Read More

What Are Flange-Head Screws?

Screws are often categorized according to their head. In addition to truss head and pan head, there are flange-head screws. They feature a threaded shank and a pointed end — just like most screws. Flange-head screws, however, have a unique … Read More

Why Don’t Airplanes Use Coolant?

Coolant is an essential automotive fluid, but you won’t find it in most airplanes. Whether it’s a small Cessna 172 or a jumbo-sized Airbus A380, most airplanes don’t use it. Airplanes use other types of fluid, such as oil and … Read More

How Weight Affects Airplanes

The weight of an aircraft can affect its performance in several ways. Some airplanes are heavier than others. A standard Cessna 172, for instance, weighs about 1,669 pounds without any cargo or passengers. An Airbus A320, on the other hand, weighs … Read More