Aerospace Exchange Blogs

The name helicopter derives from the Greek words “helix” meaning spiral and “pteron,” meaning wing. This rotary -- or spiral -- wing is made up of rotor blades, which is the focal point of this article. We will discuss a brief history of the different types of material used in the manufacturing of helicopter rotor blades and why the need for change lead the aviation industry to create what is now the most aerodynamic, durable, and lightweight rotor wings invented. Read more >>

A propeller is a device that generates rotational energy produced by the engine or other mechanical sources. There are many different types of aircraft propellers in use today, and even more that have been experimented with over the years. From fixed pitch propellers to metal and even wooden propellers, aviation history has seen several of these types come and go. Read on below for a basic outline of the many propellers used by aircraft. Read more >>

When conducting flights, it is important for a pilot to understand what VMC and IMC conditions are, as well as their differences. VMC stands for “visual meteorological conditions”, while IMC is “instrument meteorological conditions”. VMC and IMC should not be confused with VFR and IFR, which are related but have very different meanings for the pilot. Both VMC and IMC relate to the meteorological conditions during flight, and often will decide whether VFR or IFR are utilized. In this blog, we will discuss what VMC and IMC mean, and what their differences are. Read more >>

Aircraft rely on a range of systems to provide navigation and directions while in flight. One of the most popular and longest-used systems in VOR, Very High Frequency (or simply VHF) Omni-Directional Range, a type of short-range navigation system that enables an aircraft with a receiving unit to navigate via radio signals transmitted by a network of fixed ground radio beacon. Operating in the VHF radio band, VOR uses frequencies in the band of 108.00 to 117.95 MHz. Read more >>

Gyroscopic instruments are an essential part of flight navigation. They include the gyro compass, attitude, turn and bank, and turn coordinator instruments within the electronic flight instrument systems, or EFIS, that pilots rely on. Two of the popular gyroscopic instruments that are run using the vacuum gyro system are the pressure pump system, as well as older models that use a venturi. Newer models, however, have begun to use conventional gyro systems as a backup while the main system is electrically driven. With vacuum systems still remaining a very popular and widely used style in aircraft, how do the types function? Read more >>

If you’re a freight forwarder, then you know how complicated it can be to charter cargo for a major entity. On top of carrying precious cargo, there is a large amount of money involved in the process. Because it’s such a delicate process, freight forwarders have taken to working with charter brokers in order to help manage their order fulfillments. But before you begin negotiations with a broker, it helps to know what you can do to get the most out of your partnership. Read more >>

What is a gearbox? Aside from being a horribly expensive thing to repair and replace, of course. The transmission box, or gearbox, is the second element of the powertrain in an automobile or any vehicle that uses an internal combustion engine, with the first being the engine. It is used to change the speed and torque of the vehicle according to the conditions of the road and the load the powertrain is trying to carry. Transmission boxes change the engine’s speed into torque when climbing hills and other situations that require it. Read more >>

As commercial aircraft have gotten larger and heavier, the need for stronger aircraft braking system has only grown greater. In moments of mechanical failure or malfunction, the emergency braking systems are critical in bringing the aircraft to a safe and controlled stop. Read more >>

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVS) have come a long way from the novel, bug-like machine buzzing through the air. Many different industries use UAVS for mapping, recording, and delivery applications. Because of the breadth of uses, UAVS come in many different shapes and sizes. The US military uses drones such as the Predator that resemble small fixed-wing aircraft. In comparison, drone hobbyists favor drones such as the Tomahawk, a rotary-wing UAV. Read more >>

There are many different wing designs, shapes, and sizes, with each variation fulfilling a certain need in respect to the performance of the aircraft. The wings are attached to either side of an aircraft fuselage and are the main lifting surfaces that support the plane in flight. Wings can be attached at the lower, middle, and top portion of the fuselage. Some wings are angled back, some curve up, while others have fixed wings. Read more >>