Thrust reversal, also known as reverse thrust, is the momentary diversion of an aircraft engine’s thrust so that it acts counter to the forward travel of the aircraft, providing a means of deceleration. Thrust reversal systems are found on many jet aircraft, where they help the aircraft slow down upon touch-down, reduce wear on the brakes & landing gear, and enable shorter landing distances. These systems affect the aircraft significantly and are an integral component in its safe operation. In addition to jet aircraft, thrust reversal is used on many propeller-driven aircraft. In these aircraft, reverse thrust is achieved through the reversal of controllable-pitch propellers to a negative angle. There are multiple types of thrust reversal in both propeller-driven and jet aircraft. Read more >>

While the aircraft fuel system may be complex in design and construction, it is fairly simple in its purpose, which is to deliver a steady supply of fuel to the engine during operation. This flow must be supplied in exact amounts, accommodating for power settings, attitude, altitude, or any other flight condition or combination thereof. Depending on the aircraft in question, fuel systems such as the gravity fed or fuel pump system may be implemented. In this blog, we will discuss each type of fuel system and how they function. Read more >>

Similar to how an inactive motor vehicle will need time to warm up before it is safe to drive, aircraft also need significant care and time to warm up and “stretch.” If an aircraft is inactive for too long, it gets into what those in the aviation industry call “ hibernation mode” meaning its functions and components (such as the engine) may need time to warm up before operating. In the article below, you can read more about a specialists' manual for checking some essential territories of your plane before you head off somewhere out there this spring. Read more >>

When assembling an aircraft, fasteners are extremely useful for securing components together. With the use of aircraft fastener components, structures, equipment, avionics, and other parts can be joined together. Fasteners are implemented within an assembly to support loads, relieve tension stresses, mitigate vibration, safely hold structures together, and beyond. Rivets in particular are a type of mechanical fastener, providing for a permanent attachment of components. In regards to aircraft assembly, rivets are widely used across many assemblies and structures. For example, a single Boeing 747 uses 40,000 rivets on a single wing. Read more >>

Rotary wing aircraft, also known as rotorcraft, are a type of aircraft that produces lift through spinning rotor blades placed around a mast. Read more >>