Light sport aircraft (LSA) have become a popular choice for newcomers due to their simplicity, affordability, and ease of handling. These aircraft offer aspiring pilots an accessible entry point into the world of aviation, with lighter regulations and lower operating costs being a major driver. In this blog, we will explore some of the best LSA for beginners in 2024, highlighting the factors that make them excellent choices. Read more >>

The realm of UAV avionics, which support Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones, has witnessed a significant surge in technological advancements over the past decade. Central to these breakthroughs is the development of sophisticated sensor systems, which play a critical role in enhancing the functionality, safety, and efficiency of UAVs. In this blog, we will delve into various sensor system and avionics innovations while exploring how they are impacting UAV operations. Read more >>

It is safe to say that each and every component of an aircraft plays a crucial role in overall flight operations. Thus, ensuring the quality and reliability of these parts is not just a matter of preference; it is a regulatory necessity. This is where Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) comes into play as a critical process in the aerospace industry for the availability of components, and in this blog, we will discuss exactly why that is. Read more >>

In the vast realm of aviation, the efficiency and performance of an aircraft regularly hinge upon the intricate design and composition of its wings. These marvels of modern engineering are not merely elements for generating lift, but dynamic structures that contribute significantly to the aircraft's aerodynamics, stability, and overall functionality. In this blog, we will discuss the various components that commonly make up aircraft wing structures, unraveling the design choices that permit heavier-than-air flight for countless models. Read more >>

It is easy to forget the intricate systems and components that make modern aviation possible. Avionic components, often referred to as the "brains" of an aircraft, play a critical role in ensuring the safety and functionality of every flight. In this blog, we will delve into avionic components, discussing common parts such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), weather system, multifunction displays, and more. Read more >>

The Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) and Air Transport Association (ATA) Chapters are classification systems that are widely used in the aviation industry, serving to organize various parts and components that are used on aircraft. Despite each system serving a similar role in providing reference documentation and organizational structures for the industry, the way in which they classify parts and are used differ. Below, we will provide a brief overview of the Illustrated Parts Catalog and Air Transportation Association Chapter system, allowing you to have a better understanding of each. Read more >>

Similar to the way that cars use tires for shock absorption, airplanes also use inflated tires to absorb the force of landing on the runway. However, unlike the tires on cars and trucks, airplane tires are rarely inflated with air. Instead, most airplanes feature nitrogen-inflated tires that offer several benefits where oxygen-filled tires fall flat. Some key benefits of using nitrogen include its non-flammable nature and its ability to keep out moisture, in addition to protecting against corrosion and promoting consistent pressure. For these reasons, it has become preferred within a number of heavy-duty applications like car racing, construction, and within the aviation industry. Read more >>

All modern airplanes, spacecraft, and artificial satellites employ several electronic systems that carry out various duties related to their purpose and mission. As their prescribed tasks become more sophisticated, so too do their electrical systems; these aircraft electrical systems are referred to as “avionics,” a term combining “aviation” and “electronics.” Often featured in the cockpit of a plane, avionic components are featured in flight control, navigation, communication, fuel, weather radar, and other systems that carry out hundreds of other mission and flight management tasks. In this article, we will discuss some of the central avionic technologies used in aircraft. Read more >>

Across an entire aircraft and the runways it uses, there are too many lights to count, ranging from taxi lights to runway turnoff lights, and more. For a general understanding of what they are used for, the lights on aircraft can be broken down into categories by their colors, functions, and purposes. Throughout a single flight at night, all lights may be used at least once, but at varying stages of flight. For example, taxi lights and runway turnoff lights are typically used when the airplane is on the ground, while anti-collision lights and navigation lights are a must during the whole flight. To help you better distinguish between the different types of lights used by aircraft, this blog will further explore the common groups of lights and their...

While years of research and innovation went into making the first aircraft, early designs, and still current designs, are far from perfect. The aviation industry continues to evolve, making constantly better designs. One major shift in aircraft design was the change in the location of the engine. Aircraft once had engines attached to the nose, above the wings, blended into the wings, and the rear fuselage. Today, most aircraft engines are stored under the wings for better overall performance. Many factors contributed to this shift in design, so this blog will explore the reasoning behind the engine’s new location for your better understanding. Read more >>