Zero fuel weight is an important metric for fixed-wing aircraft. Not to be confused with maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), it represents the total weight of an aircraft minus fuel. Whether you’re a private pilot or aerospace engineer, you can’t ignore … Read More
Aircraft fuel systems are more complex than their automotive counterparts. While most cars, trucks and other automobiles have a single fuel tank, large commercial airliners typically have at least two fuel tanks. The Boeing 787, for instance, has three fuel … Read More
If you’re tired of constantly replacing your heavily worn or damaged drill bits, you may want to invest in a set of double-ended drill bits. You can use them to drill holes in a variety of materials — just like … Read More
When shopping for washers, you may come across split lock washers. They are used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener — just like all washers. With their split design, however, split lock washers also protect the threaded fasteners … Read More
When most people think of spoilers, they envision the wing-like structures found on the back of sports cars. Spoilers such as these are common. They are aerodynamic devices that disrupt or “spoil” the airflow, resulting in better performance. But spoilers … Read More
Do you know how sheet metal screws are measured? Sheet metal screws are threaded fasteners designed for use with sheet metal. They feature a pointed tip, a fully threaded shank and a head. Using them, you can fasten sheet metal … Read More
Do you know what a heavy jet is? There are different ways to classify airplanes. Commercial airliners, for instance, are often classified according to the number of aisles they have. Narrow-body airliners have a single aisle of seats, whereas wide-body … Read More
Ever wonder how high turboprop airplanes fly? Commercial airliners have an average cruising altitude of 32,000 to 42,000 feet, meaning they fly about six or seven miles above sea or ground level. Commercial airliners, however, are typically powered by jet … Read More
Have you heard of electrical contact cleaners? Electrical connectivity issues can often be traced back to a broken circuit. Circuits are pathways for electricity. They are found in automobiles, airplanes, homes, buildings and various devices. If electricity can no longer … Read More
