One of the most important systems of a commercial airliner is the , that of which is often overshadowed by various apparatuses and equipment in wider discussions. While some may not be too familiar with what these systems do, they are crucial for passenger and crew member safety. This is a result of the high altitudes that aircraft travel at during standard flight, atmospheric conditions often being very poor in terms of temperature, oxygen availability, and more. To keep everyone safe and comfortable during their travel, environmental control systems are used to regulate both pressure and tem ..read more

Aircraft rely on a to hold different parts together and in place during flight, including bolts, screws, and other threaded fasteners; however, many aircraft also rely on rivets as a vibration-proof alternative to fasteners. Rivets create secure attachments by piercing through the surface of a part or multiple parts being held together, similar to a screw with a smooth, rather than threaded, surface. In this blog, we will look specifically at a type of rivet known as a self-piercing rivet and how they function to create a steady hold for various aviation applications ..read more

In aircraft that are operated by , an intake, or an inlet, the engine is required to capture and slow down the air within the engine before it reaches the combustion chamber. Not all intake ducts are created equal, as there are multiple varieties available on the market, all of which offer different advantages and disadvantages. One of the popular choices for jet engines is an S-duct intake, that of which is shaped like the letter “S” and offers unique functions. While most commercial jets and other aircraft that require an even number of engines will choose a “straight-through” duct, the S-du ..read more

Aircraft rely on a to hold different parts together and in place during flight, including bolts, screws, and other threaded fasteners; however, many aircraft also rely on rivets as a vibration-proof alternative to fasteners. Rivets create secure attachments by piercing through the surface of a part or multiple parts being held together, similar to a screw with a smooth, rather than threaded, surface. In this blog, we will look specifically at a type of rivet known as a self-piercing rivet and how they function to create a steady hold for various aviation applications ..read more

for takeoff and landing. Consisting of wheels affixed to a hinge-like system, landing gear is generally found under the nose and around the wings. The wheels are usually retractable, but may take on a fixed configuration as well. Fixed landing gear, unlike retractable landing gear, hangs underneath an aircraft during flight. , as its name suggests, is stowed inside the aircraft ..read more

Pistons are common to countless reciprocating engines, compressors, cylinders, and other equipment that may be found in vehicles, aircraft, and more. In their most basic form, serve to transfer force generated by expanding gas to a crankshaft through the use of a piston rod or connecting rod. As devices that have long been used in numerous settings and industries, having a general understanding of their makeup can help one better understand the benefits they provide to the systems that they are found in ..read more

are revolutionizing our ability to transmit data, far surpassing conventional copper wiring and other transfer mediums in a number of ways. Utilizing lightwave technology to transmit data in the form of light, fiber optics are used to transmit voice, video, telemetry, and data over local area networks and long distances.  ..read more

While lift is an aerodynamic force that is paramount for an aircraft to maintain flight, there are times in which the generation of lift needs to be disrupted for certain flight maneuvers. Used in flight and while on the ground, are devices present on a wing that are able to reduce the amount of lift that is created during movement. Oftentimes, such devices are relied on for reducing speed during flight, and ground spoilers are highly beneficial when landing on a runway.  ..read more

Navigation aids and instruments are highly beneficial for pilots, allowing them to optimize flight procedures through varying means. (RMI) and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) are both commonly found on airliners, each of which aids pilots during flight operations.  ..read more

Unless you are an electrical engineer or hardware specialist, defining the differences between oscillators and is difficult. Utilized in processors and similar electrical devices, oscillators and crystals can be found in the Central Processing Unit (CPU) of desktop computers, laptops, and other electronic gadgets. Their ultimate goal is allowing a processor to work ..read more