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If one were to visually inspect a typical commercial airliner at an airport, they would most likely see numerous antennas spread out above and below the fuselage, each varying in their size, shape, and other features. Each of these antennas serve independent roles that are important for a safe and efficient flight to be carried out, and understanding the most common antenna configurations and shapes can help you be more aware of what each type is.
Learn MoreDespite being commonly used as interchangeable terms, metal fabrication and welding are two distinct processes. Welding is a more specific process and can be an aspect of metal fabrication. The term metal fabrication refers to any process by which metal is used to create a product. In this process, welding might be used to aid in formation or design by joining two metals. While welding is a significant aspect of the metal fabrication process, there are many other processes involved in metal fabrication. This blog will explore the general aspects of metal fabrication and take a closer look at the role welding plays in this process.
Learn MoreIn any electrical system, an induced voltage will result in a current that travels through the assembly. Based on the resistive property of various conductors, aircraft resistors, or other circuit elements, the flowing current voltage will be governed. Typically, the more resistance that is in place within a circuit, the more current will be impeded. By reducing resistance, an increased amount of voltage may travel through the system. As the management of electricity and electrical currents is crucial for the operations of a system and its safety, having a general understanding of resistance is very important.
Learn MoreFuel servicing intended destination and accommodate for any emergency procedures. While the process tends to follow set operations that only slightly vary from aircraft to aircraft, there are certain hazards that need to be considered in order to protect individuals, the aircraft, and the surrounding environment when such procedures are carried out. In this blog, we will discuss the process of aircraft fuel servicing, allowing you to understand how individuals carry out fuel identification, contamination control, hazard prevention, and more.
Learn MoreA standard modern aircraft is a complex vessel, often relying on hydraulics, oils, gases, electricity, and related systems to properly and efficiently function. As various systems may require the replenishing of fluids and oils over time or may need additional equipment to initiate their operations, aircraft are regularly serviced between flights while they are on a runway or in a hangar. While every aircraft may differ in its makeup and thus may require varying needs for servicing, there are a few common procedures that are often practiced for a great number of models to ensure their readiness for continued operations.
Learn MoreGas turbine engines are large and robust assemblies, and they utilize high amounts of fuel and advanced components to achieve the propulsive force needed for aircraft flight. In order to initiate the operations of such engines, a system known as an air turbine starter is used. While being a small and lightweight source of energy, air turbine starters can create a large amount of torque that can drive an engine until self-sustaining operations are reached. As a typical air turbine starter is capable of achieving the same starting efficiency and power as an electric starter two to four times its weight, such systems can be a very beneficial addition to your aircraft.
Learn MoreLift, a mechanical aerodynamic force produced by the motion of an aircraft moving through the air, is the force that directly opposes the weight of an aircraft and holds the aircraft in the air. Lift is generated by all parts of the aircraft, but the majority of lift is generated by the wings. Despite this, there are additional components, known as auxiliary lift devices, that create additional lift. The most common auxiliary lift devices are the wing flaps, spoilers/speed brakes, slats/leading edge flaps, and slots.
Learn MoreA 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.
Learn MoreWelding 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.
Learn MoreWhen 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.
Learn MoreAircraft nuts are critical components used to secure bolted joints throughout airframes, propulsion systems, and control surfaces in a wide range of platforms. These fasteners are often engineered to maintain preload and resist loosening under varying loads, environmental conditions, and vibration levels to maintain reliable security. In this blog, we will examine several common aircraft nut designs and discuss how their structural functions and material properties influence selection across different aerospace applications.
Learn MoreThe 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.
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