Low vs High Bypass Turbofan Engines: What’s the Difference?

The turbofan has become the most common type of jet engine used in airplanes. Whether it’s a civilian, commercial or military jet, it may feature one or more turbofans. Also known as a fanjet, a turbofan is a type of … Read More

Why Copper Rivets Aren’t Used in Airplanes

Ever wonder why airplanes don’t use copper rivets? Rivets are permanent fasteners that join two or more structural components. They offer a stronger and longer-lasting joint type than welding. While some airplanes use aluminum or steel rivets, though, you typically … Read More

The Benefits of Propeller Coating Paint

Not all aircraft paint is made equal. There are many different types of aircraft paint, some of which are designed for specific parts. Propeller coating paint, for instance, is designed for propellers. If you’re building or planning to build a … Read More

6 Facts About Clipnuts You Need to Know

When shopping for aerospace fasteners, you may come across clipnuts. They are commonly used in airplanes and other types of aircraft. Like traditional nuts, clipnuts feature a threaded hole that supports a bolt. Clipnuts, however, feature a unique design that … Read More

The Role of Composite Materials in Aerospace Manufacturing

There’s been a growing trend in the aerospace manufacturing industry towards the use of composite materials. According to Statista, composite materials or “composites” account for 52% of the global aerospace manufacturing market as of 2014, making it the most common … Read More

What Is an Ultralight Aircraft?

Have you heard of ultralight aircraft? Also known as microlight and light-sport aircraft, depending on the country, it encompasses small and lightweight airborne vehicles. When most people think of aircraft, they envision jumbo-sized commercial airliners. While large airliners like the … Read More

ASEL Explained: What New Pilots Need to Know

One of the first steps to becoming a pilot is obtaining a license. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all pilots to maintain a license. There are different classes of pilot licenses, however, one of the most common being … Read More

What Are Tee Fittings?

Fittings are commonly used to join multiple sections of tubes or pipes. They function as connectors. You can install a fitting between two pipes, for instance, to join them. While there are many different types of fittings, one of the … Read More

5 Common Styles of Nutplates

Nutplates offer a convenient anchoring solution for bolts. Also known as anchor nuts and plate nuts, they consist of a flat base — typically made of stamped sheet metal — that’s connected to a threaded tube. The threaded tube supports … Read More