One of the most important systems of a commercial airliner is the environmental control system (ECS), that of which is often overshadowed by various apparatuses and equipment in wider discussions. While some may not be too familiar with what these systems do, they are crucial for passenger and crew member safety. This is a result of the high altitudes that aircraft travel at during standard flight, atmospheric conditions often being very poor in terms of temperature, oxygen availability, and more. To keep everyone safe and comfortable during their travel, environmental control systems are used to regulate both pressure and temperature.
Learn MoreIn aircraft that are operated by jet engines, an intake, or an inlet, the engine is required to capture and slow down the air within the engine before it reaches the combustion chamber. Not all intake ducts are created equal, as there are multiple varieties available on the market, all of which offer different advantages and disadvantages.
Learn MoreAircraft rely on a variety of fasteners to hold different parts together and in place during flight, including bolts, screws, and other threaded fasteners; however, many aircraft also rely on rivets as a vibration-proof alternative to fasteners. Rivets create secure attachments by piercing through the surface of a part or multiple parts being held together, similar to a screw with a smooth, rather than threaded, surface. In this blog, we will look specifically at a type of rivet known as a self-piercing rivet and how they function to create a steady hold for various aviation applications.
Learn MoreAircraft rely on landing gear for takeoff and landing. Consisting of wheels affixed to a hinge-like system, landing gear is generally found under the nose and around the wings. The wheels are usually retractable, but may take on a fixed configuration as well. Fixed landing gear, unlike retractable landing gear, hangs underneath an aircraft during flight. Retractable landing gear, as its name suggests, is stowed inside the aircraft.
Learn MoreAircraft indication instruments serve a critical role in flight operations by providing crews with real-time information about aircraft system performance and configuration. These devices are integrated into cockpit displays to support operational awareness, provide early fault detection, and ensure proper response across all phases of flight. In this blog, we will explore several common types of indication instruments used in aircraft systems and the essential roles they serve during flight, so read on to learn more.
Learn MoreWhile piloting an aircraft, it is very important that one is well aware of the starting process for their engine, ensuring that it starts and runs smoothly without issue. With turboprop and turbofan engines, the process of starting operations may differ from smaller, lightweight trainers. As such, it can be highly beneficial to become familiar with such starting processes in the chance that you will one day pilot such an aircraft.
Learn MoreWhen a pilot is conducting a flight, it is paramount that they have ample data on various flight conditions ranging from altitude to heading. Airspeed in particular is very beneficial for safety, efficiency, and flight planning, and such values are measured through the use of the pitot-static system. Also supporting altitude and vertical speed indicators, the pitot-static systems garners readings of outside air pressure to create measurements that are computed by air data computers and transponders. To help you better understand how airspeed values are measured, we will provide a brief overview of the pitot-static system and how it creates readings for the airspeed indicator.
Learn MoreVacuum pumps are devices that generate low-pressure spaces by drawing gas molecules out of a sealed chamber. A vacuum can be defined as a state in which a chamber has a lower pressure than the ambient atmosphere or adjacent systems. To acquire a better understanding of vacuum systems, we will provide a brief overview of common types and their applications.
Learn MoreUnless you are an electrical engineer or hardware specialist, defining the differences between oscillators and crystals is difficult. Utilized in processors and similar electrical devices, oscillators and crystals can be found in the Central Processing Unit (CPU) of desktop computers, laptops, and other electronic gadgets. Their ultimate goal is allowing a processor to work.
Learn MoreWhile lift is an aerodynamic force that is paramount for an aircraft to maintain flight, there are times in which the generation of lift needs to be disrupted for certain flight maneuvers. Used in flight and while on the ground, spoilers are devices present on a wing that are able to reduce the amount of lift that is created during movement. Oftentimes, such devices are relied on for reducing speed during flight, and ground spoilers are highly beneficial when landing on a runway.
Learn MoreNavigation aids and instruments are highly beneficial for pilots, allowing them to optimize flight procedures through varying means. Radio magnetic indicators (RMI) and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) are both commonly found on airliners, each of which aids pilots during flight operations.
Learn MoreReciprocating engines rely on piston assemblies to convert the force of combustion into mechanical motion that drives the crankshaft. These assemblies are composed of multiple interdependent parts, each engineered to endure high temperatures, pressures, and mechanical stress while maintaining precise linear motion. In this blog, we will explore several key components that make up a typical reciprocating engine piston assembly and explain the role each part plays in overall engine performance.
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