In order for flight operations to be safely and efficiently carried out, aircraft are fitted with a number of systems and technologies that assist the pilot in their various duties. One of the most important elements on an aircraft is the radio system which allows pilots to communicate with air traffic control (ATC) and other individuals as required. When communicating on radios, it is important to know all of the right frequencies and jargon to use. While it can be difficult to memorize everything, having a basic understanding of the most common frequencies is very important for any new or current pilot.

Both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft require frequent servicing and maintenance in between flights to ensure their optimal functionality. To carry out these tasks, a large set of ground support equipment (GSE) is necessary. More specifically, GSE is primarily utilized to help in aircraft repairs, ramp activities, turnaround operations, and line maintenance.

Aircraft magnetos are devices used to generate an electrical current to be used in the ignition system. In short, they consist of a coil assembly and a magnet rotor which interact with each other to generate current. The coil assembly has a primary coil which is made up of about 200 turns of heavy copper wire wound around an iron core, and a secondary coil which is a thin copper wire that is wound around the primary coil. Next to the coils is a permanent magnet which rotates when activated. As the magnet rotates, its poles continually change position so that a flowing current is generated in the primary coil. This current creates a powerful magnetic field in the iron core which encapsulates the whole coil assembly.

Aircraft engine mounts are one of the most important components on any aircraft. Their function is to connect the engine of an aircraft to its main body. As such, it is important that a proper mount fits well and is sturdy enough to handle the engine’s weight at different levels of torque during flight. Aircraft engines generate a lot of vibration and therefore engine mounts must be built to distribute that vibration and avoid damage to the engine, its mount, and all surrounding parts. There are several different types of mounts available, each suited for different applications and aircraft types. The following blog is a detailed discussion of the different types of aircraft engine mounts available along with certain details to consider for choosing the right mount.

As aircraft manufacturers across the globe begin to move toward more green initiatives, the fully electric powered aircraft is slowly becoming more of a reality. For most current engines, aircraft propulsion is made possible through the combustion of various types of fossil fuels for driving systems and generating thrust. With electric power systems, no combustion would take place, so it begs the question of how electric aircraft will achieve their propulsion. In this blog, we will discuss electric aircraft propulsion and how it works, allowing for you to have a better grasp on future technology and the changes it will bring.

Cables and wires often account for 3% of the total weight of an aircraft. The figure 3% looks small when you consider it as a percentage, but the consideration changes when you convert the value into kilos. In recent decades, many have been trying to improve fleet fuel efficiency since the aviation industry spends one-third of its annual income on fuel. To comply with increasing rules and regulations concerning noise and fuel emission, it has become increasingly necessary for aircraft to be lighter and more energy-efficient.

While many commercial and transportation aircraft have standard sets of processes for undertaking an emergency landing, military aircraft pilots may not always be afforded the chance or ability to safely land their vehicle when something goes wrong. To ensure the safety of a fighter jet pilot, defense-oriented aircraft are often designed with what is known as a plane ejection seat. With aircraft ejection seats, pilots can be expelled from the cockpit of an aircraft quickly and easily.

Aircraft are replete with instruments that ensure their optimal functionality. Gyroscopic devices are just one example which are used for measuring or maintaining orientation and angular velocity. One of the three fundamental gyroscopic devices aircraft are equipped with is a heading indicator. A heading indicator is accompanied by a magnetic compass, allowing pilots to traverse the sky with ease.

Since the advent of aviation, aircraft and their engines have faced significant advancements with the rise of the jet engine and the current push towards electric flight. Rotary engines, in particular, are an older type of powerplant having long served aircraft prior to World War I. Despite their long history, rotary aircraft engines can still be found on some models, as well as on various early motorcycles and automobiles. As one of the first engine options for piston-powered aircraft, it can be beneficial to have an understanding of the functionality and design of the rotary aircraft engine.

A resistor is an electronic part type that is found in many circuit assemblies, tasked with implementing electrical resistance. Coming in a variety of forms, resistors can be used for adjusting signal levels, dividing voltages, terminating transmission lines, biasing active elements, and much more. There are also two major groups of resistors, those being fixed resistor and variable resistor types. While fixed resistor components exhibit a set resistance level that remains constant over time, variable resistors are able to have their resistances changed so that they can adjust circuit elements or act as a sensing device. In this blog, we will discuss the common types of resistors that feature adjustable resistance, allowing you to better understand how such components are used within the realm of electronics.