What Is a Horizontally Opposed Aircraft Engine?

When most people think of aircraft engines, they envision the turbofan. The turbofan is a type of jet engine that uses a gas turbine to power a ducted pan. It burns a mixture of jet fuel and air. Exhaust gases … Read More

The Benefits of Aluminum Rivets

Rivets are available in a variety of materials, one of the most common being aluminum. From the 2117-T “field” rivet to the 1100 rivet, 5056 rivet and more, most rivets used in aerospace manufacturing are made entirely or mostly of … Read More

Aviation Oil vs Grease: What’s the Difference?

Do you know the difference between aviation oil and grease? Airplanes, as well as helicopters and other types of aircraft, produce friction. If left unchecked, friction can lead to premature wear and tear that jeopardizes the airplane’s integrity. Fortunately, aviation … Read More

5 Common Myths About Tail Fins

You can’t believe everything you read and hear about tail fins. Tail fins, of course, are part of aircraft tail assemblies. Most airplanes have a single tail fin on their tail assembly or empennage. Unfortunately, tail fins are shrouded in … Read More

6 Common Reasons for Flight Delays

Flight delays are more than just an inconvenience; they can ruin travel plans while disrupting passengers’ daily lives. If you regularly travel by flying, however, you’re bound to encounter some delays. The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) says that … Read More

High-Speed Steel (HSS) vs Cobalt Drill Bits: Which Is Best?

High-speed steel (HSS) and cobalt are two common types of drill bits. They are both used in conjunction with a power drill to create holes in objects. HSS and cobalt drill bits, however, are made of different materials. For a … Read More

How Cockpit Windshields Protect Against Bird Strikes

Ever wonder how cockpit windshields protect against bird strikes? The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says that roughly 47 airplanes are struck by birds on any given day. Most bird strikes involve the cockpit windshield. A bird or flock of … Read More

How to Choose Splice Connectors: What You Should Know

Splice connectors offer a convenient way to connect two wires. Rather than soldering the wires, you can place them in a splice connector. Its conductive properties will create a circuit by allowing electricity to travel between the wires. While all … Read More

What Is Anti-Icing Fuel Additive and How Does It Work?

As a pilot, you probably know the dangers of ice buildup. Even small amounts of ice can cause serious mechanical problems, such as obstructed fuel lines and filters. While you can’t control the atmospheric temperature, however, there are ways to … Read More