Air travel has become an integral part of our lives, connecting people and places across the globe. As passengers, we often marvel at the seamless operation of these colossal flying machines, but rarely do we consider the intricacies of the individual parts. In this blog, we will dissect the various exterior components of an aircraft, shedding light on the vital roles they play in ensuring a safe and efficient flight.

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Engine valves are fundamental components in internal combustion engines that play a critical role in regulating the flow of air and fuel into the combustion chamber and expelling exhaust gasses. These valves come in several designs, each with its own unique characteristics and working principles. In this blog, we will explore the most common types of engine valves, including the poppet valve, sleeve valve, and rotary valve, all while delving into their working mechanisms.

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At the high altitudes in which aircraft fly, the air surrounding the plane is much cooler and thinner than at ground level, making it unsafe to breathe. Nevertheless, while some oxygen tanks are stored on board for passengers that require it, the vast majority of air in the cabin is sourced from outside the plane. However, to avoid the issue associated with breathing the thin air at high altitudes, the outside air is warmed and pressurized before entering the cabin. To maximize efficiency, this entire process is facilitated by the jet turbines, which naturally release hot, pressurized air as a byproduct. To learn more about cabin pressurization, read on as we discuss the ways in which this process supports modern aviation.

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Aircraft hydraulic systems allow operators a way of remotely controlling an array of components by transmitting force through a pressurized fluid. Hydraulics can quickly and accurately generate high forces through lightweight pipes of varying sizes, shapes, and lengths. Furthermore, they serve as the primary sources of power in aircraft systems like flight controls, flaps, wheel brakes, and more.

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For a jet engine to properly function with high performance and reliability, it requires a continuous flow of oil. Oil plays various roles for an engine assembly, serving to cool hot parts, lubricate moving assemblies, and remove the buildup of debris. For the oil system to function with ease, all parts need to function together so that oil can be stored, cooled, directed, and distributed as necessary. With the grand importance of the jet engine oil system, it can be very beneficial to have a general understanding of its design and functionality for proper care and use.

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When an aircraft is parked at a terminal or is otherwise grounded with all engines and power units shut off, power is unable to be generated for various internal systems and electronics. Whether the aircraft is being prepared for its next flight or is simply being inspected for system functionality, there will need to be a source of power provided without utilizing the engines for safety and fuel savings. With an aircraft ground power unit (GPU), electrical power can be provided from an external source to various aircraft parts and systems with ease. As GPUs serve as a common form of ground support equipment that is extremely useful for aviation applications, it can be beneficial to have a better understanding of them.

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Altitude is the vertical distance above a specific reference point. While you may be familiar with the term, you may not know that there are five types of altitude. There are many factors that determine altitude including the vertical distance above mean sea level and above the ground surface, as well as pressure and density. In this blog, we will be providing an overview of five different types of altitude, thus giving you a better understanding of their distinguishing features and importance.

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When observing commercial aircraft as they conduct operations, one may notice that there are a variety of small surfaces that are commonly implemented on the ends of wings. These surfaces at the end of wingtips are known as winglets or Sharklets depending on the manufacturer of the aircraft, and they serve to reduce drag for the means of achieving more optimal flight. To better understand the role that winglets and Sharklets serve, as well as their difference, we will provide a brief overview of each.

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While not an equipment piece that serves for the ability of flight directly, landing gear is one of the most crucial aspects of an aircraft that enables safe operations. Coming in a variety of forms and designs, the common goal of landing gear is to provide a means for an aircraft to takeoff and land on various surfaces, as well as traverse on the ground. Taildragger and tricycle landing gear are two of the most common types of configurations, each of which feature different assemblies that may be beneficial to certain aircraft models and needs. To help you understand the differences between each landing gear type, we will provide a brief overview of the taildragger and tricycle landing gear of aircraft.

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Aviation headsets are a common equipment piece for aircraft, permitting pilots and crew members to conduct radio and intra-cabin communication. Additionally, headsets are also crucial for hearing protection and maintaining clear communication as they block ambient noises and reduce sound levels for the comfort and ease of the user. As an essential element of many flight operations, it is important to properly maintain and clean aviation headsets so that they can continue to function properly for a long period of time.

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