A power supply is an electrical device that is capable of transforming provided power from a power source into energy that is usable by connected components and systems. Coming in various forms, power supplies may utilize generators, solar power, batteries, or other forms of energy for their functionality as a power converter and supplier. As power supplies will regularly differ in their ability to supply specific voltages, frequencies, and current, it can be highly beneficial to familiarize oneself with the common types of power supplies on the market in order to find the correct fit for a given application.

Welding is the process of joining metal parts through melting of the surface of the connection points on each piece using a blow torch or flame. This is then followed by hammering or pressing to bind the two parts together. This method of welding has been in use since the 19th century, but modern advancements like the discovery of acetylene have improved the process significantly. This technological revolution benefited the manufacturing of commercial aircraft greatly and would later prove to be a gateway to the engineering and design of lightweight aircraft made from materials such as aluminum, titanium, and magnesium.

When operating an aircraft in colder conditions and locations, it is always important to be well aware of the hazards that icing can present. As atmospheric temperatures reach freezing levels, ice coatings and deposits may form on various parts of the aircraft, possibly blocking ports, affecting the performance of instruments, or even obstructing views. Depending on the location of ice formation and its severity, icing can potentially create dangerous conditions that can make flying an aircraft unsafe until such deposits are removed. In this blog, we will discuss some of the main types of aircraft icing and where they occur, allowing you to best protect your aircraft and ensure the safety of flight operations.

Nuts intended for use in aviation are designed in a wide range of sizes and styles and are also made from a variety of materials such as hardened steel, corrosion resistant steel, stainless steel, tempered aluminum alloy, and more. Aviation nuts can generally be grouped into one of two categories: non-self-locking nuts, also called standard nuts, and self-locking nuts. In this blog, we will discuss these two categories and the types of nuts belonging to each.

The combination of thrust produced by the engines and lift produced by the wings is what allows an aircraft to fly. However, just as important in an aircraft’s operation is the intricate electrical system within it. The main components of an aircraft electrical system are the alternator/generator, battery, master/battery/alternator switch, bus bar, fuses, circuit breakers, voltage regulator, ammeter, and the associated wiring. In this blog, we will discuss each part in detail.

Since the advent of aviation and aircraft, a number of developments have increased the ability to manipulate the aerodynamic forces that aircraft are subject to during flight. Whether for lifting off, turning, or slowing down, flight surfaces ease the ability of control for pilots, enabling more safe and efficient flight operations for a multitude of applications. When travelling at lower airspeeds, having increased lift can greatly affect the performance of aircraft. To achieve such lift, many designers utilize leading edge flaps and slats that are placed on wings.

With a multitude of commercial flights being conducted worldwide every day of the year, aircraft often fly through a number of rainstorms and wet weather. To maintain visuals during flight and protect the windshield, aircraft must remove rain and wetness for safety. From basic wipers to chemical rain repellents, there are a variety of methods and rain repellent parts that airplane manufacturers employ to remove liquids from the windshield.

An air ring gauge, commonly known as a ring gauge, is a cylindrical ring of thermally stable material such as steel whose inner diameter is finished to gauge tolerance. Air ring gauges are used to check the external diameter of a cylindrical object. More simply put, an air ring gauge is a device used to measure air pressure. Air ring gauges fit over the external measurement of a diameter. They are typically made from ground hardened steel. When the ring gauge is placed over a workpiece, the resulting pressure is displayed as the diameter of the part.

A gas turbine engine is an internal-combustion engine that uses gas as the working fluid to turn a turbine. Their efficiency and operational supremacy make them a very popular option for jet aircraft. There are two types of gas turbine engines, classified by two factors: the type of compressor they use, and how the power is utilized. This blog will explain both types of gas turbine engines and their basic operation.

Automatic Dependant Surveillance-Broadcast equipment (ADS-B) refers to specific devices that permit air traffic controllers and aircraft operators to communicate and transfer flight pertinent information such as locations, flight paths, and more. With this exchange of information, operators are able to conduct much safer flights, also resulting in more direct routes and increased cost efficiency. The ADS-B also serves as a critical facet of the Federal Aviation Administration’s goal of Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) implementation, slowly replacing the radar-based air traffic control systems that have been utilized since 1960. The two types of ADS-B equipment that can be installed on an aircraft include ADS-B Out and ADS-B In, both providing various uses for operators. As of January 1, 2020, the FAA mandates that ADS-B equipment must be installed on any aircraft that already requires a transponder.