A rotary-wing aircraft, or rotorcraft, is a type of heavier-than-air aircraft that features rotary wings or blades. Unlike typical fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft produce lift through the means of rotating their wings or blades around a vertical mast. Depending on one’s particular needs or application, there are a few common types of rotorcraft one may use, including those such as helicopters, autogyros, and gyrodynes. In this blog, we will provide an overview of the primary rotorcraft types, discussing the configurations and capabilities of each so that you may best understand them. Read more >>

Aircraft piston engines, also called reciprocating engines, are mechanical marvels that have driven aviation forward since its earliest days. Though seen less in aircraft today, they are still utilized in private, vintage, and light-sport or training planes. Because of their lasting presence, this blog will cover how piston engines generally function, as well as distinguish common types that have been used over the years. Read more >>

Tasked with absorbing brutal landings and carrying hundreds of tons, aircraft tires and wheels operate under some of the most extreme conditions in aviation. Both vital for basic aircraft functionality and to protect the safety of passengers and crew, these components have to be designed to strict standards. In this blog, we cover all the basics you should know about aircraft tires and wheels, ranging from the types of stresses they face to the maintenance practices that keep them ready to perform. Read more >>

Passenger aircraft almost always feature pressurized cabins, ensuring that all individuals are provided with treated air that is at a pressure and density level that is comfortable and safe for breathing. While pressure is important for safe breathing, so too is the cleanliness of air. As passengers are contained within a limited space for long periods of time, pressurized aircraft have specifically been designed to allow old air to be removed from the aircraft so that clean, fresh air can replace it. In order to carry out these processes, pressurized aircraft rely on the airplane ventilation system. Read more >>

A lubricant is a substance used to minimize friction and heat between moving surfaces, and they may be used in a variety of applications ranging from vehicles to industrial machinery. While the lubrication used for aviation applications provides for the reduction of friction just like many other types, aircraft lubrication in particular must meet higher performance requirements in order to be approved for use in commercial models. This is due to the extreme conditions that many aviation parts operate under as well as the immensely regulated industry that demands the highest degree of scrutiny for safety and efficiency. Read more >>