What Is Hand Propping and How Does It Work?

Have you heard of hand propping? If so, you might be wondering how it works. Most propeller-driven airplanes are equipped with an electric starter. After turning on the fuel selector and setting the throttle to idle, pilots can activate the … Read More

Can Airplanes Fly Through Hail?

Hail is a relatively common weather phenomenon. Statistics show that the United States experiences an average of 158 days of hail per year. It involves frozen precipitation that manifests in the form of balls or clumps of ice. Given that … Read More

The Pros and Cons of Aluminum Alloy Rivets

Not all rivets are made of the same material. Some of them are made of titanium. Titanium rivets are very strong and durable, but they typically cost more than rivets made of other materials. You can also find rives made … Read More

How Jet Engine Air Intakes Work

A typical jet engine has thousands of different parts, one of the most important being the air intake. Regardless of size, all jet engines have an air intake. It’s designed to funnel air into the engine so that it can … Read More

Wood Screws vs Machine Screws: What’s the Difference?

Screws are one of the world’s most commonly used fasteners. Consisting of a head and a threaded shank, they are used to join two or more parts. You can drive a screw through a set of parts, after which you … Read More

What Is a Short-Field Landing?

Not all runways consist of long, well-paved surfaces. In remote regions, runways may feature gravel or even dirt. Landing on unpaved runways such as these can be challenging. Equally challenging, however, is a short-field landing. Overview of Short-Field Landings A … Read More

The Benefits of Cadmium-Plated Washers

Washers are often plated to protect against corrosion and premature wear. During production, a thin layer of material is added to the surface. Known as a surface treatment or plating, this protective outer layer shields the washer. While some washers … Read More

Why Don’t Airplanes Have Mufflers?

It’s no secret that airplanes are noisy. Jet engines can produce over 140 decibels, making them louder than lawnmowers, trains, motorcycles and jackhammers. There are devices, however, to suppress engine noise. Known as mufflers, they are commonly found on automobiles. … Read More

Variable Pitch vs Constant Speed Propellers: What’s the Difference?

Do you know the difference between a variable pitch and constant speed propeller? Most airplanes are powered by either a turbofan or a turboprop. Turbofans are airbreathing engines that burn fuel and air to generate propulsion, whereas turboprops generate propulsion … Read More