It’s no secret that airplanes are noisy. Jet engines can produce over 140 decibels, making them louder than lawnmowers, trains, motorcycles and jackhammers. There are devices, however, to suppress engine noise. Known as mufflers, they are commonly found on automobiles. … Continue reading →

Do you know the difference between a variable pitch and constant speed propeller? Most airplanes are powered by either a turbofan or a turboprop. Turbofans are airbreathing engines that burn fuel and air to generate propulsion, whereas turboprops generate propulsion … Continue reading →

Have you heard of absolute ceiling? Not to be confused with service ceiling, it’s something that all pilots must consider. Different airplanes, however, have different absolute ceilings. What is absolute ceiling exactly, and why is it important? Overview of Absolute … Continue reading →

Not all drill bits have a smooth shank. While they all have a circular cross-section, some of them have a threaded shank. Known as threaded shank drill bits, they are used to create holes in objects and materials. Threaded shank … Continue reading →

Have you heard of light sport aircraft (LSA)? Airplanes are often classified according to their size or purpose. Airliners, for instance, are large airplanes that are designed to transport goods and passengers. Some of them have a single aisle of … Continue reading →

Rust can compromise the integrity of any metal part, including aircraft parts. Also known as iron oxide, it involves the oxidation of iron molecules. When iron moles are exposed to oxygen, such as oxygen in the air or water, a … Continue reading →

You can’t ignore the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) when shopping for an air filter. Air filters aren’t limited to air conditioning systems and furnaces. You can also find them in automobiles, machines and even airplanes. Regardless of the type, … Continue reading →

Sheet metal screws offer a convenient fastening solution for metal sheets. They feature a threaded shank with a pointed tip. Using a sheet metal screw, you can fasten metal sheets. However, there are several common myths about sheet metal screws … Continue reading →

Washers are commonly used to distribute the load of threaded fasteners. When you drive a threaded washer through two or more parts, the load will be focused directly below the head. This concentrated tension can damage parts, which is where … Continue reading →