Washers are commonly used in conjunction with a threaded fastener. Bolts, for instance, are often inserted through the center of a washer. The washer will distribute the bolt’s load more evenly across the surface of the object, thus protecting the … Read More

No airplane is complete with fasteners. Depending on the size, airplanes may contain anywhere from 1 million to 3 million fasteners. Each of these fasteners is responsible for holding one or more parts in place. In addition to traditional fasteners, … Read More

The terms “fuselage” and “airframe” are often used interchangeably to describe the body of an airplane. All fixed-wing airplanes have a body. The body serves as the physical structure. Technically speaking, though, fuselages and airframes are different. To learn more … Read More

Airplanes have complex electrical systems that require a variety of different connectors. You might be surprised to learn that radio frequency (RF) connectors are used in airplanes. While commonly associated with the telecommunications industry, RF connectors have found their way … Read More

When shopping for aerospace fasteners, you may come across spring pins. Also known as slotted pins, they are commonly used in airplanes. Airplanes require fasteners to hold their respective parts together. In addition to screws, bolts and rivets, many airplanes … Read More

When inspecting the cockpit of a typical airplane, you may see a yoke. Also known as a control column, it’s one of the most common types of flight control systems. Yokes are essentially steering wheel-like components that allow pilots to … Read More

Nearly all gas-turbine airplanes run on jet fuel. Also known as aviation turbine fuel, it’s a type of kerosene that’s made of ultra-refined petroleum. It was invented in the mid-1900s. Since then, jet fuel has been used to power countless … Read More

O-rings and grommets aren’t the same. While they feature a similar shape, they are nuances in their design that affect their utility. For most applications, o-rings and grommets aren’t interchangeable. You may be able to use an o-ring for one … Read More

Rivets are one of the most common types of fasteners used in airplanes. Airplanes still have screws and bolts, many of their components are secured with rivets. Rivets don’t have the same type of threaded body as screws and bolts. … Read More