Whether an aircraft is a small business jet or a large civilian airliner, most modern aircraft have now implemented a variety of electronic systems in order to improve flight instruments, accommodate passenger needs, and power lights and other fixtures. As such, aerospace manufacturing companies implement generators or alternators for the production of power, ensuring that all aircraft electrical components function properly. While typical wall outlets provide an electronic frequency that ranges from 50-60 Hz for plugging in appliances, the aerospace standard remains much higher at 400 Hz for all aircraft. While this may seem like too high of a frequency for the powering of electronics, there are some major reasons why such an amount has become the widespread standard.
When you have sheet metal structures that are in need of repair, there are some important steps that you should make during inspection and maintenance. When fixing a piece that is broken or damaged, check with the producer’s SRM for the aircraft. When you do this, you mind finding a helpful illustration of the repairs needed, what steps to take, what parts you might need, etc. Any further information that is necessary to make a repair is also detailed. If the necessary information is not found in the SRM, it’s best to find counsel on similar pieces that need fixing, preferably from the same manufacturer as your metal sheet.
Since the end of World War I, almost all aircraft have adopted braking systems that allow them to safely come to a stop on runways and surfaces. Typically, most modern aircraft utilize a disc brake assembly in which each of the main wheels is fitted with a brake unit. Depending on the size of the aircraft, various designed brake systems may be used, and common types include single, dual, and multiple disc brakes. In this blog, we will discuss what disc brakes are, as well as how they assist in stopping aircraft on the ground.
In any maintenance sector, whether it’s in the automotive industry or the aircraft industry, knowing how and what equipment to use for lubricating the tools you work with is an essential skill. It’s critical especially in the aviation sector to understand how to properly distribute and move your lubricants to where they need to be. By strictly abiding by safety protocols, you reduce risk of potential contamination and you keep your lubricants in places that are easy to find and simple to use. If you are interested in learning more about the types of lubricants that you can use as well as how to properly use them, you may find the article below helpful.
An aircraft ladder is very versatile in that it can be used for various purposes and for many different industries. Though aircraft ladders are particularly useful in the industrial and aviation sector, there are people outside of these sectors that frequently use the ladders including but not limited to auto mechanics, highwire technicians, electricians, and even everyday citizens for private home use. Aviation ladders provide a stable platform for technicians to work from and a safe passageway for passengers and pilots to board. This is why they are so useful in aviation as well as in other areas. For more information on aviation ladders, read the article below.
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.
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.
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.
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.
