On aircraft, few threats demand quicker detection and response than onboard fires. The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is one system that demands special attention in this regard, its enclosed design, high operational temperature, and proximity to other critical systems classifying it as a risky zone. Although it is a supplementary power source and not as large as the main engines, high-precision fire detection and extinguishing measures must be in place to avoid structural damage or harm to passengers and crew. This blog will cover all the basics of an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)’s fire detection and extinguishing system, walking you through its core components and typical operation.
Learn MoreAnchor points are a necessary feature of machinery featuring cables, designed to terminate cable ends while holding them in place with ample security. In order to operate a cable’s anchor point, parts like shank balls may be used. Coming in the form of a shank and a ball, these parts allow for a simplistic, yet effective, anchor point to be established in an assembly for securing cables.
Learn MoreWhen considering the critical safety elements of modern aircraft, plug doors stand out as one of the primary features of countless commercial aircraft designs. Their unique, self-sealing capabilities are notable for promoting cabin pressurization and preventing mid-flight openings, a major safety concern at high altitudes. For those who are interested in learning more about these structural components, read on as we dive into the mechanics, applications, and advantages of plug doors in aviation.
Learn MoreAircraft require air for a wide range of purposes. Luckily, they do not have to utilize separate devices or systems to generate air. In fact, planes can easily get this air from their engines, and it is referred to as bleed air. This is only the case as long as the aircraft has air-breathing turbine engines. To better understand the complexity of this type of air, we will provide a brief overview of bleed air.
Learn MoreOne 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.
Learn MoreIn 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.
Learn MoreAircraft 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.
Learn MoreAircraft 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.
Learn MoreAircraft indication instruments serve a critical role in flight operations by providing crews with real-time information about aircraft system performance and configuration. These devices are integrated into cockpit displays to support operational awareness, provide early fault detection, and ensure proper response across all phases of flight. In this blog, we will explore several common types of indication instruments used in aircraft systems and the essential roles they serve during flight, so read on to learn more.
Learn MoreWhile 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.
Learn MoreWhen 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.
Learn MoreVacuum 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.
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