In both mechanical and electronic systems, actuators are components used to translate energy into physical motion. While often simplistic in function, actuators are necessary in many applications for carrying out work. In this blog, we will examine different types of actuators, discuss their wide-ranging applications, and touch on the control systems that manage their performance. Read more >>

The cockpit windshield of an aircraft provides a clear and unobstructed view for pilots during flight, while also serving as the first line of defense against the external environment and atmosphere. As such, the materials and design used in constructing these windshields are crucial for ensuring the safety of an aircraft and the people within it. In this blog, we will explore the materials used in the construction of cockpit windshields and touch on how maintenance personnel address damage. Read more >>

While jet designs are often lauded for the power of their engines or the lift-capability of their wings, windshields and windows do not usually get the spotlight despite their critical role in ensuring the safety and performance of an aircraft. While providing an optimal view of the surrounding airspace to pilots for heading maintenance and collision avoidance, these components must be able to withstand extreme conditions like high-speed impacts, drastic temperature changes, and immense pressure differences. The materials of jet-engine aircraft windshields and windows are therefore carefully selected and designs precisely engineered to meet these demanding requirements.

The primary material used in the construction of aircraft windshields and windows is not actually glass, despite many commonly referring to such assemblies as a "glass windshield." Instead, these components are typically made from advanced plastics and composite materials, the most common being polycarbonate and acrylic. Polycarbonate is favored for its high impact resistance and excellent optical clarity, while acrylic is known for its lightweight properties and ease of manufacturing. Read more >>

Flying an aircraft may seem like a challenging task; however, modern aviation has come a long way in simplifying the process for the benefit of pilots. A significant part of this simplification can be attributed to the joystick, also known as a sidestick or joystick controller, which plays a crucial role in enabling precise and intuitive aircraft control. In this blog, we will delve into how aircraft can be navigated with a joystick, shedding light on the technology behind this essential tool and its impact on aviation. Read more >>

Aircraft refueling is a crucial process that ensures the uninterrupted and safe operation of commercial and military flights. Put simply, refueling involves the transfer of aviation fuel from a supply source to the aircraft's fuel tanks, and while it may seem straightforward, it requires strict adherence to established procedures and precautions to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of everyone involved. With this in mind, we will explore how to properly refuel an aircraft, that way you never miss a crucial step. Read more >>

Owning an aircraft can be exciting for those with the capability to do so, opening up opportunities for sightseeing, travel, enhancing piloting skills, and much more. While all of these benefits can already sell the idea of a private aircraft to someone, it is essential that one also considers the vital task of managing and maintaining their aircraft, ensuring that it always meets safety standards and performance expectations. In this blog, we will discuss the maintenance process for private aircraft in brief detail, allowing you to be better prepared for the endeavor of ownership.

Whether or not you are flying commercially, all aircraft are subject to a variety of federal and local jurisdictions, regulations, and standards that must be met to legally operate your plane. Maintenance is one of the most common mandated practices, ensuring that everything from the aircraft engine to the battery are in working order to guarantee safety. While it is easy to think that the idea of regular maintenance is simply too expensive, it is much more expensive to be forced with major repairs, replacements, and other issues that result from maintenance neglect. As such, it is critical that you follow all mandated inspections while conducting your own to guarantee healthy assemblies. Read more >>

As a passenger on a commercial flight, you may have noticed the dimming of the cabin lights both before takeoff and in the final moments of descent before landing. This procedure not only happens in the cabin, but also in the cockpit as part of an important safety measure for all on board. If you are curious as to what dimming the lights has to do with safety, read on as we discuss why this simple procedure takes place on commercial flights. Read more >>

When discussing any form of unmanned or remote-controlled aircraft, many are all too quick to label them as a aircraft drone. While the term “drone” has now been widely adopted, it can become confusing when the same term used to describe a simple hobbyist option is also used to refer to a high-tech military weapon used on the battlefield. Each of these varying “drones” has its own name, and such aircraft may come in the form of a UAV, UAS, RPA, and more. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of the most common types of aircraft that fall under the drone umbrella, allowing you to better understand the differences between each. Read more >>

U.S. Nimitz-class aircraft supercarriers are comprised of over one billion individual parts and components. Despite this, when you break them down into their base functions, they are pretty easy to understand. They are tasked with four main functions: to transport aircraft overseas, launch and land aircraft, serve as a mobile command center for military operation, and house all the men and women stationed on the carrier. To carry out these tasks, each part of the carrier has an important job. Read more >>

At the very first glance, the cockpit of an aircraft may seem like complex or daunting technology. While an intricate system to control the aircraft’s rotation, center of gravity, and direction is certainly necessary, the system, when learned and written into muscle memory, is certainly manageable for pilots. The cockpit of each aircraft is made similarly enough so that when a pilot enters the cockpit of a new aircraft, they can recognize the basic and most important components.  Read more >>