Those outside of the aerospace sector may not be aware but on some aircraft, there are some spiralized markings at the center of the engine. Though not much is known about these spirals, there is some speculation as to what purpose these markings serve. To learn more about nose cone spirals (also known as spinner spirals, spinner swirls, or nose cone swirls) this article investigates some remarks made by professionals in the Boeing company as well as from Rolls Royce and other businesses in the aviation sector. Read more >>

For the safety and efficiency of flight, pilots have a number of aircraft instruments and avionics in the cockpit to aid in their awareness. The heading indicator, also known as a directional gyro, is an aircraft instrument that allows the pilot to know the aircraft’s heading. Heading indicators indicate both the primary heading and indirect bank of an aircraft, and they provide more accurate readings as compared to a standard magnetic compass. In this blog, we will discuss the aircraft heading indicator more in detail, explaining how they work and provide functionality. Read more >>

To help an aircraft achieve and sustain flight, a variety of aerodynamic surfaces are installed to allow for lift generation, directional control, and much more. Aircraft stabilizers are critical aerodynamic surfaces that provide stability and control to the pitch and yaw. Stabilizers often vary in type, and they can be fixed, adjustable, or fully moveable surfaces. For the standard aircraft, horizontal and vertical stabilizers, or v-tail configurations, are placed on the empennage to provide for longitudinal and directional stabilization and control. Read more >>

A switch is a device used to interrupt the flow of a circuit. Every single electrical application features at least one switch, to turn the device on and off. Switches can be mechanical or electronic. Mechanical switches are operated physically, by the moving, pressing, or releasing of its contacts. Electronic switches do not require manual operation to control a circuit, and are instead activated by semiconductor action. However, there are a myriad of different types of switches used in a wide range of applications. This blog will explain many of the types of mechanical and electronic switches and provide details about their characteristics and functions. Read more >>

The engine of an aircraft is one of the most critical areas, supplying the aircraft with a fuel supply that allows it to achieve propulsion and sustained flight. With the complexity of aircraft engines, ranging from correct fuel flow to optimal oil pressure, being aware of various systems and processes is extremely beneficial to maintain safe flight. Aircraft engine monitoring instruments are a set of instruments that provide various important information regarding the status, performance, and operating ranges of different engine parts. In this article, we will discuss some of the main engine monitoring systems, and how they provide pilots information to maintain safe flying. Read more >>