The most basic type of receiver is a tuned radio frequency receiver (T.R.F), however, this is rarely used. The standard receiver configuration is superheterodyne (superhet), which has an additional stage called mixer after the RF stage. In the superheterodyne receiver, the desired RF is converted to a constant IF (Intermediate frequency) by taking the difference frequency after mixing the received signal with the output from the local oscillator. The output of the mixer (difference frequency) is called the IF (intermediate frequency), which is always constant 455khz. Since most of the amplifi ..read more

Total Air Temperature is measured by means of a sensor positioned in the airflow,raising the temperature measured above the OAT Total air temperature (TAT) is the static air temperature plus any rise in temperature caused by the high-speed movement of the aircraft through the air. TAT-sensing probes are constructed to accurately transmit signals for cockpit indication, as well as for use in various engine and aircraft systems TAT probes are positioned at front fuselage section mainly at the side or upper surface of the nose. Air flows through the strut of the probe which is provided with hol ..read more

Using the right metal is critical when designing and manufacturing aircraft or spacecraft. If the metal is too heavy, it will force the engines to work extra hard during takeoff. But if the metal is too light, it may lack the strength needed to withstand turbulent winds 20,000+ feet above ground. Well, it appears that Boeing has found a solution to this predicament. Recently, engineers at Boeing announced the development of a new metal for use in aerospace engineering, which it claims is stronger than titanium but lighter than steel. The metal, dubbed “microlattice,” is the world’s ligh ..read more

Along with the wings, tail, landing gear and cockpit, the fuselage is one of the main components of a typical airplane. Based on its name, many people assume it’s responsible for holding or storing fuel. The term “fuselage,” however, comes from the French word “fusele,” meaning “spindle-shaped.” Fuselages feature a long and vertical spindle-like shape from which they receive their namesake So, what is the fuselage exactly? Overview of the Fuselage The fuselage is the large outer shell that encompasses an airplane’s main body. It features a hollow interior in which seats, as well as othe ..read more

Research shows flying is approximately 19 times safer than driving. There are over 260 million registered passenger vehicles in the United States, so the risk of a collision when driving is naturally greater than that of flying in an airplane. Airplanes can still fail, however. There are have been instances in which commercial airplanes’ engines have stopped working during flight. So, what happens when an airplane’s engine fails exactly? Airplanes Typically Have Multiple Engines Most commercial airplanes aren’t powered by a single engine. Rather, they feature multiple engines to safegua ..read more

Although there are exceptions, most commercial jets fly at around 28,000 to 35,000 feet. Being that Earth’s troposphere is between 23,000 and 65,000 feet — depending on the season and latitude, at least — this means that commercial jets are almost always within the troposphere. The only exception is when a commercial jet is taking off or landing, in which case it will obviously reach lower altitudes. So, why do commercial jets fly in the troposphere rather than the stratosphere? To better understand the reasoning for this, you must first look at the Earth’s atmosphere. The troposphere is t ..read more

Trim tabs have been used in airplanes for decades. Typically found on the outer edges of the ailerons, rudders and elevator, they live up to their namesake by allowing the pilot or pilots to control the airplane’s trim during the flight. Trim tabs are just one of many components found in modern airplanes, but they still play a key role in their overall function. Without trim tabs, pilots would have to exert greater force and energy to stabilize the airplane at high altitudes. The Purpose of Trim Tabs Trim tabs are used to reduce the manual energy and work required to stabilize airplanes ..read more

Commercial airplanes today use complex control systems consisting of hundreds of dials, knobs, buttons, switches, levers and more. Whether it’s a short flight across state lines of an intercontinental flight to the opposite side of the world, pilots must engage these controls to achieve and maintain their course. But there’s a specific type of control that often goes unnoticed to non-aviation professionals: reverse thrust. So, what is reverse thrust, and how does it work exactly? Overview of Reverse Thrust Also known as thrust reversal, reverse thrust is a control system found in many a ..read more

Nearly every seasoned air traveler has experienced mid-flight turbulence at some point or another. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that turbulence is the most common cause of injury to air passengers, with approximately 58 passengers sustaining injury each year. In some cases, pilots are forced to make emergency landings to reduce the risk of injury. But what exactly is turbulence? And how does it affect modern-day aircraft? Turbulence is best described as the rapid movement of air. Even if the skies “look” clear, there are invisible waves of air moving in various directi ..read more

Heavy snowfall poses a major safety hazard to motorists. As it melts and refreezes, it can create slick roads that prevent cars and trucks from creating traction. While there aren’t any roads in the skies, airplanes are still susceptible to the effects of snowy weather — just in different ways. While minor snowfall shouldn’t pose a concern, heavy or prolonged snowfall is often responsible for weather delays at major airports. Airplane Cabins are Insulated and Protected Against Cold Temperatures Some people assume that snowy weather poses a risk to airplanes because of the cold temperatu ..read more