For an aircraft engine to kickstart operations for thrust generation, there often needs to be some type of external system or energy source for starting. Starters may come in varying forms, some being more manually operated while others may be automatic and electrically controlled. Air turbine starters in particular are a common option for various aircraft, capable of providing considerable torque for starting processes while being much lighter than their electric counterparts. Read more >>

Metal structural repairs are necessary for the safe operation of an aircraft when damage or wear occurs. Failing to conduct these critical metalworking tasks may pose safety risks by compromising vital parts, so they must be performed according to the best available techniques to ensure plane integrity. Read more >>

The average automobile is made up of nearly 30,000 components, many of which are hardware products like nuts and bolts. While many pay the most attention to grander assemblies, it is often the smallest of parts that serve the most important roles. For instance, the rod bearing is an often overlooked component due to its simplicity and size, yet it plays a critical role in the performance of the engine. In this blog, we will discuss rod bearings in more detail, allowing you to better understand their design, comparison to conventional bearings, and application. Read more >>

If you spend enough time in or around the world of aviation, you will eventually hear the term TSO used. In an industry with so many highly-specialized parts and practices, the many acronyms and abbreviations can become hard to remember. This blog will cover the TSO in general, as well as the specific TSO-C173. Read more >>

Airplane lighting frameworks provide illumination to both outside and inside of an aircraft. Lights on the outside give light during such activities as arriving around evening time, examination of icing conditions, and security from midair impact. Interior lighting provides illumination to instruments, cockpits, lodges, and different areas involved by crewmembers and travelers. Certain unique lighting, for example, markers and cautioning lights, provide the aircraft status of gear. For more information on the aircraft lighting system, read here. Read more >>

The Integrated Drive Generator system, or IDG, is a key power system found on aircraft that controls all of the engine hydraulic systems. An IDG consists of a Constant Speed Drive (CSD) and AC generator mounted side by side in a single housing assembly. The CSD uses controlled differential action to maintain the constant output speed necessary to power the generator. Because the IDG has such an important role in powering key components of the aircraft, its reliability is paramount. This blog will explain Integrated Drive Generator systems, how they work, and how to service them properly. Read more >>

When designing, manufacturing, and procuring commercial aviation parts, it is helpful to have a referencing standard and cataloguing system to help establish order and ease of learning. The ATA 100 is a numbering system that has established itself as such a commercial aircraft documentation standard, allowing for pilots, maintenance technicians, and engineers to quickly and easily understand various aircraft systems and components. Read more >>

A main bonding jumper is a conductor that acts as the link between the equipment grounding conductor and the grounded service conductor. The purpose of the main bonding jumper is to fasten the EGC (equipment grounding conductors) to the neutral conductor of the electrical service. In other words, it carries the ground-fault current from the service enclosure as well as from the equipment grounding system that is returning to the source. You can read more about the main-bonding jumper and its uses below.  Read more >>

O-rings are in use throughout many aircraft and operate as an important sealer whenever they are applied. However, while acting as a sealant, o-rings are susceptible to extrusion and failure. To prevent this, many o-rings in are coupled with an anti-extrusion ring. Anti-extrusion rings are designed and manufactured to act as supplemental support and guarantee the seal performance of an o-ring. Sometimes called back-up rings, an anti-extrusion ring is an inflexible ring that holds an elastomeric seal in its correct shape and place. Anti-extrusion are necessary in a variety of situations. Some of their applications include: Read more >>

Airspeed Indicators (ASI) are flight instruments used to measure the airspeed of an aircraft. They function either electronically or via a pitot-static system and are crucial to the safe operation of an aircraft. Because of this, pilots must be able to ensure their ASI is accurate and functioning properly. Electronic ASIs provide the peace of mind that readings will be accurate, but typically only newer, more sophisticated aircraft will feature an electronic ASI. For all other aircraft, a pitot-static system will be in use. In this case, to ensure reliability, the ASI must be calibrated and maintained regularly. Read more >>