Do you know the difference between piston and turboprop airplanes? Whether it’s a private or commercial, wide body or narrow body, all airplanes have one or more engines. Engines generate thrust, which propels airplanes through the air so that they … Continue reading →

Whether you’re a pilot, an aviation mechanic, or you simply enjoy learning about airplanes, you’ve probably heard of maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). It’s an important specification to which all airplanes must adhere. For a better understanding of MTOW in aviation … Continue reading →

Lighting is an essential component of all airplanes. From cabin and cockpit lights to navigation lights, taxi lights and even headlights, they play a key role in visibility. Rather than only using incandescent lights, however, many airplanes now use light-emitting … Continue reading →

When an airplane approaches an airport, passengers typically expect it to land. There are instances, however, in which airplanes may circle over the runway before landing. Known as a go-around, it’s a common procedure in commercial aviation. What Is a … Continue reading →

If you’re planning to use solid rivets, you may want to invest in a rivet compression tool. Solid rivets, of course, are mechanical fasteners consisting of a smooth cylindrical shank and a round head. They are commonly used in applications … Continue reading →

Ever wonder why the cabin windows in most airplanes don’t fog up? Most automobiles experience fogged-up windows from time to time, so conventional wisdom may lead you to believe that airplanes experience them as well. After all, the high altitudes … Continue reading →

Flight control systems are often categorized according to how they operate. Electrical flight control systems, for instance, operate electrically. They feature an electronic interface, such as a computer, that pilots use to control the aircraft. Also known as fly-by-wire (FBW) … Continue reading →

Whether you’re doing a home project or working on an aircraft, choosing the right type of adhesive is important. Adhesives, of course, are products that cause objects to stick together. They offer a simple and effective way to join two … Continue reading →

Not all fixed-wing aircraft rely strictly on jet engines to generate thrust. Some of them use one or more propellers. Known as turboprop aircraft, they are typically smaller and limited to shorter flights than larger, jet-powered aircraft. There are fixed-pitch … Continue reading →