Aerospace Aviation 360 Blog

Engine failure is not uncommon in airplanes and is no stranger to piston engine aircraft. These engines use one or more reciprocating pistons to convert pressure into a rotational motion and operate on the same basic principles as automobile engines. Piston engine aircraft utilize dual ignition systems to improve redundancy and air cooling to reduce weight. Despite this, these aircraft are susceptible to mechanical failure including spark failure, fuel issues, and airflow deficiencies.

Aircraft data plates are Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved identifications for an aircraft. The plates are often metal and are etched with vital registration information about the aircraft. It includes the date of manufacture, model number, serial number, and registration number. All aircraft— from military grade to amateur built— are required by the FAA to display a data plate.

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who likes abrupt stops. It’s relatively normal on a bike, worrisome in a car, and just plain old dangerous on a plane. But, surprisingly, airplanes didn’t always have brakes. In the early days of aviation, when the Wright Brothers had just stunned the world with their first sustained flight in a heavier-than-air contraption, there were no brake systems; slower speeds and skidding to a gradual stop were the norm. Fortunately, that’s the no longer the case due to the advancements in aviation made during WWI.

When working in the procurement industry for aircraft it is imperative to know the various condition terms and codes to be able to reference and identify the parts. This allows for clear communication of the quality of parts to be bought and sold to the customers. We will go over the terminology and some codes to better identify the parts.

Gap and Overlap Type Wave Springs are used in a wide range of applications for their reliability and precision. Smalley has released two sets of Wave Springs that, when used together, create expansion within a cavity. Unlike die-stamped wave washers that often cause binding or hang-up, these two wave springs are engineered for greater efficiency.

On November 22^nd, 2016, an article was posted on Fastener World discussing Nord-Lock's new combi bolt designed to improve safety, efficiency, and accurate assembly while minimizing inventory. These combi bolt washers are available in various sizes such as NL5, NL6, NL8, NL10, NL10sp, and NL12, utilizing wedge locking technology for enhanced safety. The bolt has a permanently attached washer for added convenience.

Connectivity and sensory are a major factor in aerospace. It is very important to have sensors and connectivity for a safe flight. TE Connectivity has introduced the Kilovac EV202 which is a very high powered contactor. The great thing about this high-powered contactor is that it is sustainable to hardship environments like hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and earthquakes. Another great aspect about these contactors are they are super small and not heavy so they are easily accessible. Having a lightweight item will make it easy to carry and install, also it does not have any problems functioning or carrying the product. However, The difference between these new products and older models are the sizing and the withholding. Even military uses these long lasting contactors in their vehicles that run on electric. For example, military vehicles use the contactor as a use for energy and battery storage and motion control applications.