The Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI), one of the simplest yet most important instruments at a pilot's disposal, is a tool used to indicate the rate of climb or descent of an aircraft. The VSI uses the common pitot-static system to determine vertical speed and displays the result via a needle and circular scale instrument. In this blog, we will take a look at VSIs, what components they are made of, and how they work.
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Set classifications for common types of aircraft damage ensures uniform diagnoses and accurate repair for all aircraft overhauls. There are eleven detailed aircraft damage classifications starting with the basic, dent. A dent is classified as a depressed or hollow deformation without removal of material or change in cross sectional area. Dents like these are caused by impact from a smoothly contoured object.
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Aircraft maintenance is becoming more complex with the passing of time and scheduled inspections are more important than ever. A scheduled aircraft inspection refers to any preventative repair or maintenance that a cabin crew or technicians undertakes at planned intervals. The main types of scheduled maintenance are annual inspections, 50- and 100-hour inspections, preflight checks, and progressive inspections. These are all designed to ensure the functionality and airworthiness of the aircraft.
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For much of the U.S., de-icing is a necessity of flying during most of the year. While it might be annoying for passengers to wait on the plane as the de-icing fluids wash over the plane, it’s a serious task for flight crews. Ice causes a great deal of concern from an operational safety perspective and every precaution must be taken before a plane can depart. In early 2018, Southwest Airlines was forced to cancel over 200 flights due to a shortage of de-icing fluid.
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Adhering to proper maintenance practices is of utmost importance in the aerospace industry. No aircraft is so tolerant of neglect that it is exempt from deterioration in the absence of inspection and maintenance programs. Corrosion, wear and tear, natural fatigue, and chance failures all contribute to the overall functioning and safety of aircraft.
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Much thought and focus are given to developing and improving the tools with which aircraft maintenance is performed, but what about the procedures that govern how those tools are used? Process-driven actions on the hangar floor or general aviation facilities don’t have to be cumbersome or complex.
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If given a diagram of an aircraft, many people could confidently label the wings, nose, tail, and perhaps the aircraft engine. When tasked with identifying such components as the empennage or power plants, their confidence levels may dip. There a few key components that make up the aircraft design that is universally recognized.
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There are a few types of aircraft de-icing equipment that modern aircraft might utilize in the event of ice forming on the airframe. Because of the various factors that affect an airplane in flight, a pilot has to make a few considerations when using said equipment. The practicality of any aircraft de-icing system depends on the density of the ice in question, and how removal will affect the aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoil. Let’s consider the advantages and disadvantages of three main types of aircraft de-icing systems—pneumatic de-icing boots, chemical de-icing, and bleed air heating.
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