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Aircraft systems are designed to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions during their operational lifespan. However, extreme environmental conditions can pose significant challenges to the performance and safety of aircraft. In this blog, we will explore the impact of these various conditions on aircraft, specifically discussing their effects on ground support equipment (GSE), hydraulic systems and components, landing gear, rivet stems, gaskets, and rubber clamps.

Since the debut of aircraft gas turbine engines, aircraft have been able to reach new heights, distances, speeds, and performance levels that were previously limited by the capabilities of piston power assemblies. The evolution has not stopped with their invention though, as countless advancements and variations have come about leading into the present with many objectives still being carried out today. Despite the advanced capabilities of gas turbine engines, such assemblies will still have the chance of facing various issues over time, making it necessary that pilots have a general understanding of gas turbine troubleshooting and maintenance to maximize performance, safety, and reliability.

Since the debut of powered flight, aircraft have rapidly advanced as new and robust technology continues to enter the global market. Despite modern aircraft boasting much more efficiency, safety, and overall reliability as compared to early models, they will still face regular wear over time with continual use, making it necessary that they be inspected for any potential issues on a scheduled basis. In fact, aircraft inspections are generally mandatory in many countries, governing bodies setting schedules for how often aircraft need to be checked and how thorough each check needs to be. In this blog, we will discuss the most common aircraft inspections that are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allowing you to be more aware of what is carried out to keep such vehicles safe.

In the early days of aviation, rotary aircraft engines were used extensively, especially during WWI. These powerplants were particularly unique in that their lack of conventional reciprocating elements provided smooth operation. You may ask yourself: “How does a rotary engine work without moving parts?” To answer this, we will outline how rotary engines produce power and how they differ from other engine types.

Aircraft ignition systems rely on similar instruments to what you would find in an automobile. Both are internal combustion engines that use spark plugs and some type of fuel monitoring network related to throttle position. However, rather than relying on a battery, planes employ a dual magneto model or self-contained electrical impulses to ignite the spark plugs and start their engines. In this article, you can read more about how aircraft ignition systems work, and gain a better understanding of whatever plane you are working with.

Made to be vibrant in color to be highly identifiable, emergency stop switches and buttons are essential for the safety they provide to operators using machinery, especially during instances of misuse or an accident. Serving as a fail-safe mechanism when equipment cannot be shut off in its typical manner, these devices come in many forms and are often applied to machines among public, commercial, and industrial facilities.

The aircraft's fuel system is responsible for delivering a continuous flow of fuel to the aircraft's engines throughout the duration of a flight. In terms of complexity and importance, few aircraft elements place higher than the fuel system. Although not homogenous in their design, the difference in fuel systems between two aircraft of the same class are generally composed of similar parts. In order to provide a better understanding of fuel systems, this blog will discuss their most important components and the function that each performs.

One of the first major challenges to overcome in aviation was the ability for the aircraft to land and come to a complete stop in a short distance. Over the years, the need for a more robust landing system has become more pronounced due to the increased airspeed and weight of modern aircraft. Today, the landing system comprises thrust reversers and brakes, both of which are redundant and used simultaneously to stop the plane. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about the aircraft landing system, highlighting details about thrust reversers and braking systems.

Check valves have several other names, such as one-way, non-return, or clack valves. They have a design that is used for the guarantee of unidirectional flow. With this, they are often used as a preventive measure to avoid overflow, backflow, and other hazardous operating conditions. As such, they are found in a wide variety of fluid handling systems. A few check valve applications are irrigation systems, oil and gas extraction and processing equipment, potable water systems, standard and critical power generation and distribution equipment, subsea operation systems, wastewater treatment facilities, and more.

Aircraft are robust and advanced vehicles, yet just like an automobile, they require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that all systems and parts are airworthy and functioning as intended. As required by the FAA, aircraft must undergo a series of inspections, each of which vary in their thoroughness and objective. To help you better understand the basic inspection requirements of an aircraft, we will discuss common aircraft inspections in brief detail.