ASAP Aerospace Blog - By Page 2

One of the most important systems of a commercial airliner is the environmental control system (ECS), that of which is often overshadowed by various apparatuses and equipment in wider discussions. While some may not be too familiar with what these systems do, they are crucial for passenger and crew member safety. This is a result of the high altitudes that aircraft travel at during standard flight, atmospheric conditions often being very poor in terms of temperature, oxygen availability, and more. To keep everyone safe and comfortable during their travel, environmental control systems are used to regulate both pressure and temperature.

In aircraft that are operated by jet engines, an intake, or an inlet, the engine is required to capture and slow down the air within the engine before it reaches the combustion chamber. Not all intake ducts are created equal, as there are multiple varieties available on the market, all of which offer different advantages and disadvantages. One of the popular choices for jet engines is an S-duct intake, that of which is shaped like the letter “S” and offers unique functions. While most commercial jets and other aircraft that require an even number of engines will choose a “straight-through” duct, the S-duct was invented as a solution for trijet designs. This blog will look specifically at the pros and cons of procuring an S-duct intake for your jet engine.

Aircraft rely on a variety of fasteners to hold different parts together and in place during flight, including bolts, screws, and other threaded fasteners; however, many aircraft also rely on rivets as a vibration-proof alternative to fasteners. Rivets create secure attachments by piercing through the surface of a part or multiple parts being held together, similar to a screw with a smooth, rather than threaded, surface. In this blog, we will look specifically at a type of rivet known as a self-piercing rivet and how they function to create a steady hold for various aviation applications.

Aircraft rely on landing gear for takeoff and landing. Consisting of wheels affixed to a hinge-like system, landing gear is generally found under the nose and around the wings. The wheels are usually retractable, but may take on a fixed configuration as well. Fixed landing gear, unlike retractable landing gear, hangs underneath an aircraft during flight. Retractable landing gear, as its name suggests, is stowed inside the aircraft.

Aircraft rely on landing gear for takeoff and landing. Consisting of wheels affixed to a hinge-like system, landing gear is generally found under the nose and around the wings. The wheels are usually retractable, but may take on a fixed configuration as well. Fixed landing gear, unlike retractable landing gear, hangs underneath an aircraft during flight. Retractable landing gear, as its name suggests, is stowed inside the aircraft.

Remote sensing is the process of monitoring and detecting the physical characteristics present in a location from a distance by intercepting and gauging emitted or reflected radiation (usually from an aircraft). In other words, acquiring information about the presence of an object without making any physical contact with it is referred to as remote sensing.

While piloting an aircraft, it is very important that one is well aware of the starting process for their engine, ensuring that it starts and runs smoothly without issue. With turboprop and turbofan engines, the process of starting operations may differ from smaller, lightweight trainers. As such, it can be highly beneficial to become familiar with such starting processes in the chance that you will one day pilot such an aircraft.

When a pilot is conducting a flight, it is paramount that they have ample data on various flight conditions ranging from altitude to heading. Airspeed in particular is very beneficial for safety, efficiency, and flight planning, and such values are measured through the use of the pitot-static system. Also supporting altitude and vertical speed indicators, the pitot-static systems garners readings of outside air pressure to create measurements that are computed by air data computers and transponders. To help you better understand how airspeed values are measured, we will provide a brief overview of the pitot-static system and how it creates readings for the airspeed indicator.

Vacuum pumps are devices that generate low-pressure spaces by drawing gas molecules out of a sealed chamber. A vacuum can be defined as a state in which a chamber has a lower pressure than the ambient atmosphere or adjacent systems. To acquire a better understanding of vacuum systems, we will provide a brief overview of common types and their applications.

Unless you are an electrical engineer or hardware specialist, defining the differences between oscillators and crystals is difficult. Utilized in processors and similar electrical devices, oscillators and crystals can be found in the Central Processing Unit (CPU) of desktop computers, laptops, and other electronic gadgets. Their ultimate goal is allowing a processor to work.