The Aerospace World Blogs

In the intricate choreography of aviation, weight and balance emerge as defining concepts that influence the safety and performance of every flight. This delicate equilibrium between the mass of an aircraft and the positioning of its center of gravity is pivotal in ensuring that the skies remain a safe mode of travel. In this blog, we will delve into the crucial roles of weight and balance, exploring how they impact the dynamics of flight, with a focus on related components such as the horizontal stabilizer, the aircraft tail, and the engines.

Aluminum is a prized metal in the aviation sector, commonly used for the design of various airframes and parts. Its importance does not solely stem from its low density, but also from its extraordinary strength-to-weight ratio. In the realm of aircraft construction, only aluminum of the utmost quality finds application, these specific types being commonly recognized as "aircraft-grade aluminum." This article delves into the domain of aircraft-grade aluminum, offering insights into its attributes, diverse applications, and the compelling reasons underpinning its status as the preferred material for fashioning aerospace assemblies.

Lead-acid batteries have been a staple in various applications for decades, providing reliable power for automotive vehicles, boats, uninterruptible power supply systems, and even aircraft. These batteries are known for their robust construction, cost-effectiveness, and ability to deliver high levels of current, making them ideal for applications that require a portable power source. In this blog, we will delve into the fascinating world of lead-acid batteries, exploring how they work and their role in powering essential components like starter motors and alternators.

Flight controls are moveable aerodynamic surfaces that allow a pilot to control an aircraft while in the air. In nearly all airplanes, flight control systems are attached to the fuselage, wings, and tail, and they allow aircraft to turn and change elevation. Shaped like an airfoil, each control surface can be moved to alter the airflow around the plane. With these control surfaces, the plane is able to navigate along the longitudinal axis, lateral axis, and vertical axis. As a result, pilots can make controlled movements in the sky and during takeoff and landing. To learn more about the types of flight control surfaces found on aircraft, read on as we discuss ailerons, elevators, rudders, and more.

Flying aircraft requires careful consideration and attention to details that many people would not typically think of as relevant to flight. Of course, safe weather conditions, properly working systems, and up-to-date certifications are important factors to consider when operating planes, but there are other factors that non-pilots may not realize require consideration. One such factor is the danger that volcanic ash poses to jets. While a relatively uncommon occurrence, erupting volcanoes may send ash clouds into the air high enough to reach flight levels. This can be detrimental to most major components of an airplane. As flying through volcanic ash is nothing like flying through smoke or fog, this blog will take a closer look at the unique threats that volcanic ash poses to flight safety.

Safety in aircraft is a major concern in the aviation industry, as there are many working systems and components that must operate correctly for safe flight. Malfunctions can lead not only to delays and unnecessary expenses, but also pose potential hazards to the aircraft and its passengers. Many systems in aircraft are hydraulic, meaning they rely on fluids to operate. Hydraulic systems include landing gear, flaps, brakes and many more critical aspects of flight. Aviation fluids further encompass fuel for the aircraft and ground support equipment (GSE) vehicles, oil for lubrication, water for cooling/cleaning, and other oils and fluids used in hydraulic systems. As such, any contaminants that could potentially settle into these fluids threaten the safe operations of the aircraft. For your better understanding of common aviation fluid contaminants and how to avoid them, read on.