Flight control surfaces are aerodynamic devices that enable pilot control over an aircraft’s flight attitude, coming in the form of various equipment pieces that are installed on the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, wings, and other structures. The rudder is one of the main directional control surfaces alongside the elevator and ailerons, capable of managing an aircraft’s pitch and roll. With the rudder in particular, pilots manipulate the yaw of the aircraft about its vertical axis for the means of adjusting the direction of the nose. To better understand how the aircraft rudder allows for management of flight attitude and yaw, we will discuss its functionality and how it is used.

Electricity is a volatile force, presenting various risks to sensitive electronics and individuals if proper protection is not in place. Electrical shocks are a hazard associated with energy sources or conductive materials, occurring when electrical energy suddenly flows into a material or individual when contact is established. Electrical shock can be extremely dangerous, presenting risks of injury or death to individuals or the complete failure of electrical devices. To prevent the hazards associated with electrical shock, components known as grounding straps are regularly used.

A personal air vehicle, or personal aerial vehicle, is an emerging family of aircraft that is centered around the idea of providing on-demand aviation services. The term was first coined by NASA in 2003 when they established their Personal Air Vehicle Sector Project, that of which is a part of the Aeronautics Vehicle Systems Program. While research and development of personal air vehicles has continued since the initial launch of the program, there have been various barriers that engineers and manufacturers seek to overcome to realize such technologies.

When conducting maintenance or repair work on an aircraft or other vehicle type, it is important that individuals are able to safely inspect and perform work on all sides of the assembly. With a device known as a hydraulic jack, aircraft can safely be lifted so that accidents, damages, and injuries are all avoided.

Pressurized air is important for a number of uses such as HVAC systems, filling tires, operating pneumatic tools, and providing safe pressures within aircraft cabins for breathing. In order to quickly and easily produce pressurized air for countless applications, a pneumatic device known as an air compressor is relied upon. With air compressors, power from an electric motor, diesel, gasoline engine, or other source can be used to create potential energy that is stored in pressurized air. As a very common component to numerous systems and devices, understanding the basic functionality of an air compressor can be quite beneficial for anyone taking advantage of them.

As the method of mounting can affect the accuracy, life, and performance of a bearing, it requires close attention. The bearing’s characteristics should be thoroughly investigated, and mounting should be done in the proper way. The handling procedures for bearings should be fully studied by design engineers such that standards can be established regarding: cleaning of the bearings and associated parts, checking of dimensions and finishes of related parts, mounting, inspection after mounting, and supply of lubricants.

With the majority of aircraft currently relying on fuel mixtures for propulsion generation, it is always crucial for safety that there is some type of fuel quantity indicating system present. With a mixture of fuel flow indicators and fuel gauges, pilots can closely monitor the amount of fuel present in the fuel tank, as well as the rates at which fuel is spent to ensure an efficient and safe flight operation. In this blog, we will provide an overview of fuel flow indicators and fuel gauges, allowing you to better understand the uses that they provide to the aircraft engine and pilot.

Although there are many sizes, shapes, and types of helicopters, most of them share the same major components. Understanding how each of these parts operates can help a pilot more easily locate malfunctions and possible emergency scenarios, and knowledge of the relationship these systems have to one another enables the pilot to make an educated decision and take the appropriate course of action in the event that a problem arises.

The elevator is an example of a primary flight control system. It controls movement about the lateral axis of an aircraft: a movement referred to as pitch. They are also used to control the angle of attack and aid in creating lift. In most aircraft, there are two elevators, one mounted on the trailing edge of each half of the horizontal stabilizer. When a control input is made, either manually or by autopilot, the elevators move up or down as needed. In most installations, the elevator moves symmetrically. However, in certain aircraft controlled by fly-by-wire technology, the elevators move differently from each other in order to meet the control input demands.

A disc brake is a type of brake that utilizes calipers to squeeze pairs of pads against a disc or rotor to create friction. This action slows the rotation of the shaft, such as a vehicle axle, either reducing rotational speed or holding it stationary. The energy of motion is then converted into waste heat, which must be disposed of. Hydraulically actuated disc brakes are the most commonly used form of brake for motor vehicles, but the principles of a disc brake can be applied to virtually any rotating shaft.