The controlled movement of aircraft on the ground, known as taxiing, is more complex than it might appear, demanding precise communication and strict adherence to protocols. This involves not only the pilot and Air Traffic Control (ATC), but also trained ground personnel who guide aircraft using standardized visual signals. Despite advancements in onboard systems, pilots still rely heavily on external crew to avoid collisions and reach their intended locations, especially in congested or visually restricted areas. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about the personnel and procedures that help taxiing go smoothly.

Pilots are using more advanced technologies than before, many of which have revolutionized the way they conduct flight operations. One major example of this is the debut of GPS navigation. GPS (global positioning system) technology has had an exponential growth rate in aviation use over recent years because it offers faster access to data and better accuracy for navigating around airports or other confined spaces where traditional technology falls short.

A properly functioning head gasket is a critical component in an internal combustion engine. Unfortunately, it is also one of the items most prone to damage and replacement. Since replacements can be costly, knowing some diagnostic and repair techniques is important. In this blog, we will discuss the function of a head gasket, some signs that it may be close to failure, and a few repair tips.

An internal combustion engine is a heat engine that generates motive power by burning a fuel-air mixture within the engine, and the resulting hot gases drive a piston or do other work as they expand. Due to their incredible durability and drivability, an outstanding 250 million highway transportation vehicles in the United States are equipped with an internal combustion engine. 

A coupling is a mechanical device used to transmit power or torque from one shaft to another. Their other uses include connecting separately-manufactured components, providing flexibility while transmitting power, providing overload protection, and reducing transmission shock loads from one shaft to another. While there are many types of couplings, we will discuss the six most common: muff/sleeve couplings, split muff couplings, flange couplings, bush pin flexible couplings, gear couplings, and fluid couplings.

Bleed air is the air that is released from the compressor stage of an engine. When released, the bleed air is approximately 200-250°C and at a medium-high pressure of approximately 40 psi. This heat and pressure means bleed air can be used to power many different aircraft systems. As bleed air is a readily available energy source (as long as the engines are working, bleed air will be available), it is constantly used throughout modern aircraft. Bleed air’s two main benefits are its heat, which is used for things like anti-ice and de-icing systems, and pressure, which is used for things like cabin pressurization and air conditioning. 

Rotary engines are a unique type of internal combustion engine that utilize a set of rotating components within a stationary housing. Though they often take the backseat to more modern types, rotary engines are still found in certain applications and have even seen renewed interest in recent years. In this guide, we will walk you through the inner workings of Wankel rotary engines, covering everything from their main components to their practical benefits.

Whether a manufacturer is developing a single-seat piston aircraft or a large military transport, all aircraft follow a similar design process from start to finish. Through engineering designs and rigorous testing, a number of steps are taken to ensure that a particular proposed aircraft meets airworthiness standards as set forth by aviation authorities. Generally speaking, the three main steps of aircraft design that are followed before a model can be produced include the conceptual, preliminary, and detail design phases.

If you work in the train, marine, or aircraft sector, you might be familiar with steam or turbine engines. Despite the amount of people who do actively work in these industries, there are still many who do not understand what the actual distinct differences are between the two.

While there are a great number of aircraft types that range from small personal trainers to large military transports, there are many core aircraft components that may be found across most fixed-wing aircraft regardless of type. Often, these include major components such as the fuselage, wings, engines, and other primary structures and systems that provide for heavier-than-air flight. As aircraft undergo heavy stressors during operations, it is important that such components are engineered to withstand the loads that they must endure, all while remaining as light as possible.