Within a modern aircraft, pilots take advantage of numerous instruments and systems to obtain the information and readings necessary to carry out safe flight operations. Among all tools that are at one’s disposal in the cockpit, one item that often goes overlooked for its importance is the magnetic compass. This instrument provides crews with a simple and reliable means of obtaining crucial directional information during flight, allowing it to remain a staple of design, even in glass cockpits. To answer some of the biggest questions surrounding magnetic compasses in the context of aviation, read on as we discuss them in more detail.

Aircraft elevators are an essential component of an airplane's flight control system. In this blog, we will explore the fundamentals of aircraft elevators, their operational principles, and their importance in maintaining safe and efficient flight.

Within the intricate machinery that powers internal combustion engines, the camshaft plays a crucial role in regulating engine performance. Understanding the intricacies of how this component functions provides a glimpse into the precision required for combustion engines to operate seamlessly. In this blog, we will discuss the nature of a combustion engine's internal workings, specifically dissecting how the camshaft collaborates with the drive shaft, thrust plate, and chain sprocket, as well as other components.

In the world of electronics, printed circuit boards (PCBs) serve as the foundation for constructing complex electronic circuits, and they are composed of various components that possess their own specific functions and purposes. In particular, one crucial aspect of PCB design is the incorporation of board level components. In this blog, we will explore what these devices are, their importance in electronic circuits, and their various types and applications so you can pick the right product(s) for your particular applications.

In aviation, landing gear is critical in ensuring safe takeoffs and landings. This system is not only responsible for supporting the aircraft's weight during ground operations, but also for absorbing the impact faced during touchdown and rollout. The landing gear system consists of various safety devices and features that work together to ensure the stability of the aircraft throughout the landing process, and we will discuss the most common safety elements in this blog.

Bearings are one of the most commonly used machine parts because their smooth, rolling motion makes it far easier to transmit a load. By translating the force of a load into the rotational movement of a ball or roller, bearings can help reduce friction between moving parts. As a result, they effectively reduce long term wear and tear while facilitating smooth motion between components on a moment-by-moment basis. As a highly versatile device, there are many different types of bearings to consider, with one of the most common being flange bearings. Named for their flanged design, these bearings have a lip on the exterior of the outer race that differentiates them from their standard counterparts.

If you have worked with sheet metal pieces where fastening is conducted with the use of rivet-based hardware, then you have likely had the chance to take advantage of a strap duplicator. When creating rivet holes for securing parts together, it is essential that all holes are properly aligned. As eyeballing alignment can quickly lead to errors and frustration, it is best to use a strap duplicator.

Operating an aircraft is an exciting feat; however, one must take many factors into consideration to ensure long term success during all of your flights. Aircraft comprise a vast collection of parts, all of which must be properly maintained with various different handling methods. That being said, this blog will focus on aircraft tires in particular, as well as their types and handling methods, so you may form a better understanding of this integral part of aircraft maintenance. Of course, optimum performance is only achieved when all aspects of flight are tended to with equal attention, and aircraft tires are merely another vital part of safe air travel.

Just like with each part of an aircraft, the placement of the wings has been carefully chosen with considerations to safety and efficiency. On most commercial planes, they are placed in pods under the wings and mounted at a small distance by way of a pylon. This has become the standard engine attachment for all large commercial aircraft for several crucial reasons, all of which are explained in detail below.

Whether one is working with an aircraft, automobile, or other vehicle type, such assemblies regularly consist of a large number of fastener types that keep them together with ease. Depending on the structure in question and its particular needs, various types of fastener may be used. For example, the fasteners relied on for securing skins sections on an aircraft fuselage are different from those used to assemble a seat, making it important that one is familiar with the various types of hardware they may have to work with if they ever seek to conduct maintenance or repair. In this blog, we will discuss some of the most common fastener types found on various vehicles, helping you expand your knowledge and preparedness.