Aircraft Archives

Understanding Aviation Fuel: Types, Uses, and Safety

Aviation fuel powers the world’s aircraft, supporting countless commercial, general, and military flights each year. From jet fuel to avgas, this vital resource comes in various grades and compositions, each with specific performance characteristics. In this article, I’ll explore what aviation fuel is, how it’s used, safety issues, and the future of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Quick Navigation to Aviation Fuel The Basics Supply Safety General Information What is Aviation Fuel? What Aviation fuel refers to any fuel used to power airplanes or aeroplanes, primarily Jet A/Jet A-1, Jet B, and aviation gasoline (avgas). The chemical formula, composition, autoignition temperature, and flash point vary depending on the type. These properties are key to ensuring safe engine performance under extreme conditions. … Read more

Understanding Ailerons: What are they and how do they work?

Ailerons are essential flight control surfaces mounted on the trailing edges of an airplane’s wings. Their primary function is to control the aircraft’s movement along the roll axis, which allows the aircraft to bank left or right. Whether flying a Cessna Skyhawk here at Epic or a Boeing 737 for the airlines, understanding how they work is fundamental to aircraft operation and maintenance. Quick Navigation to Ailerons Basic Functions Types and Designs Training Issues General Information What do ailerons do? The function of ailerons is to manage roll control by creating differential lift on each wing. When the right aileron deflects downward and the left aileron upward, the airplane rolls to the left, and vice versa. This movement is coordinated … Read more

Understanding Indicated Airspeed: A Pilot’s Guide

Learning to fly a plane, whether a light aircraft like a Cessna 172 here at Epic or a Boeing 747 jet, involves mastering many cockpit instruments. However, none is more essential than the Airspeed Indicator (ASI). Indicated Airspeed (IAS) is a fundamental concept in pilot training because it helps pilots measure and manage flight performance, lift-to-drag ratio, and safety-critical V-speeds. Here, I’ll get into IAS, explain how it works, define related airspeed types, and show you how to read and correct airspeed for better accuracy. Let’s get started! Quick Navigation to Indicated Airspeed The Basics IAS, TAS, and CAS Pilot Training and IAS What is indicated airspeed (IAS)? A good definition for indicated airspeed is the speed shown directly on … Read more

What is a Pitot Tube?

A simple definition for a pitot tube is a device used to measure the speed of a fluid, usually air. Pitot tubes are crucial for aircraft. They feed data to the airspeed indicator, which informs pilots as to how fast they’re flying relative to the surrounding air. A blocked or malfunctioning pitot tube can lead to incorrect readings, which can create serious flight safety risks. Pitot tubes are an important part on every aircraft. Quick Navigation to Pitot Tubes The Basics of Pitot Tubes: Exploring and Understanding Venturi Maintaining the Pitot-Static System More on the Pitot Tube Understanding How a Pitot Tube Works Understanding the Two Key Openings in a Prandtl Pitot Tube: Front-facing (impact) opening (hole): Also known as … Read more

Aircraft Lighting: Types, Importance, and Regulations

Aircraft lighting plays a critical role in aviation safety and operation. Lighting helps pilots navigate and communicate. Proper lighting is required to comply with FAA and ICAO regulations. From anti-collision lights to position lights, each system serves a unique function. Proper lights on aircraft ensure both commercial pilots and military aviators can fly safely in all conditions. In this guide, I examine the history, importance, and aspects of aircraft lighting while providing a guide for aviation enthusiasts, mechanics, and pilots. Quick Navigation to Aircraft Lights The Basics: Types and Regulations Functions and Safety Past, Present, and Future Types of Aircraft Lights and Their Roles There are two main types of aircraft lighting: interior and exterior. Interior lighting improves visibility inside … Read more

Ultralight Aircraft: Planes You Can Fly Without a Pilot License

What is an Ultralight Aircraft? A true ultralight aircraft is a lightweight, small, and typically single-seat airplane designed for recreational flying. People like these aircraft for their affordability, ease of use, and the fact that many models do not require a pilot license. However, in the USA, ultralight aircraft must meet specific FAA regulations. For example, a true ultralight cannot exceed the maximum empty weight of 254 pounds or a top speed of 63 mph (55 k/ph). Although we don’t train ultralight pilots here at Epic, I am often asked about them and thought it would be helpful to address them in this article. Under FAA Part 103 regulations, ultralight aircraft are subject to specific requirements to qualify as true … Read more

What is a Squawk Box in Aviation?

A “squawk box” is an essential piece of aviation communications. Its technical name is a transponder. It’s a radio frequency identification (RFID) device that sends a signal, or “squawk,” to air traffic control (ATC) radar systems. The squawk helps controllers identify each radar blip as a specific flight. It is a critical tool that communicates between an aircraft and ATC. The transponder helps identify the aircraft, transmits its altitude, and alerts ATC to emergencies. Both pilots and controllers must understand how a squawk box works and its unique role in maintaining safe flight operations. In this article, I’ll share the origin and functions of a squawk box, the meaning of squawk codes, and practical applications. I’ll also include related aviation … Read more

Going up? What is the elevator in an aircraft, and how does it work?

An aircraft’s elevator is not the kind you find in a tall building. The elevator on a plane is a movable surface that directly influences pitch control and altitude management. In other words, it is critical in making the plane go up and down. Quick Navigation to Elevators The Basics Operations A Closer Inspection Functionality Pilot Mastery Purpose and Definition of an Elevator How does an elevator work? Like many other airplane parts, it functions interactively. Located on the horizontal stabilizer of the tail section, the elevator adjusts the nose’s angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The elevator ensures flight stability and maneuverability making it essential to airplanes. When I explain it to our aircraft mechanic students, I tell them … Read more

How High Do Planes Fly?

That depends! The height at which planes fly is influenced by numerous factors, including aircraft type, mission, and design considerations. While most commercial aircraft operate at an altitude of 30,000 to 42,000 feet, many planes soar much higher. Aircraft operate at different altitudes depending on their purpose, engine type, and safety requirements. Typically, commercial airplanes, private jets, military aircraft, and even gliders each have specific flight altitudes to optimize performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. Quick Navigation to Aircraft Altitude Basics of Altitude Factors of Altitude Conclusion Understanding Altitude: Feet, Meters, and Flight Levels Flight altitude is the vertical distance between an aircraft and the Earth’s surface. This distance is commonly measured in feet, meters, and flight levels. Most commercial airplanes … Read more

What are the 25 Fastest Aircraft in the World? Breaking Records Through Aviation History

Aviation has long been a race to the top – faster speeds, higher altitudes, and greater efficiency. From the earliest aeroplane to military fighter jets to experimental research planes and commercial jets, the fastest planes in the world showcase the marvels of engineering and design. Below, I dive into the 25 quickest planes ever built – or about to be built! I’ve detailed their achievements and ranked them by the year they were introduced. We start in 1947 and end in the future… 2029! Let’s check out the fastest planes in the world!