ASAP Sourcing Solutions Blog

When flying through certain weather conditions, ice can form on various parts of an aircraft, posing serious risks to both performance and safety. Ice accumulation can disrupt the smooth airflow over airfoils, struts, and other critical surfaces, leading to increased drag and decreased lift. To mitigate these dangers, aircraft are regularly equipped with sophisticated ice protection systems such as thermal systems and pneumatic de-ice boots, which we will discuss in this blog.

Aircraft engines are like their hearts, as they provide the energy which both propels the plane and runs all of the other systems. The engine works by turning the alternator that provides electricity and running the various pumps that power systems pertaining to hydraulics, pressurization, and others. Moreover, its goal is to transform potential energy stored in fuel into mechanical energy that powers the airplane it is a part of.
 
Engines are composed of several basic components. First is the cylinder which is where combustion occurs. Next is the piston, where it rests inside the bottom of the cylinder and provides the compression for combustion. The connecting rod supports the piston, and it transmits energy down to the crankshaft which is then transferred out of the engine to a propeller.

When flying an aircraft, it is important that you take into account the speeds at which you are traveling for safety and efficiency. In many instances, aircraft will need to be within a certain range of speeds to optimally carry out specific maneuvers, and to make things easier, airspeeds are often broken up into what are known as “v-speeds.” These v-speeds account for varying ranges of speed, and having a general understanding of the types and what maneuvers are carried out within them can help you better fly.

The advent of the turbine engine brought about the most significant leap forward in aviation capabilities. With its implementation, aircraft were no longer limited to a few passengers and short flight durations. But, of course, the term "turbine engine" encompasses several individual engine designs, each with its own features for different applications.

Of the various engine types, two of the most common in use are turboprop and turbofan. Although they are similar in their outward appearance and even interior design, these two engines differ in their operating principles. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about turboprop and turbofan engines and how they differ.

If you have ever traveled in an airplane and sat at the window seat, you have probably noticed a small hole present in the airplanes window. However, if you are unfamiliar with their purpose, there is a chance that you have also wondered if this hole is supposed to be there in the first place.

Nevertheless, there is no need to worry because these holes play a significant, and positive role in airplanes and are called bleed holes. To better understand these little clearances, we will discuss the importance and purpose of bleed holes present in airplane windows.

Threaded inserts consist of a coarse wooden screw thread on the outside and a fine machine screw thread on the inside. This design makes it easy to use machine screws in wood, as well as makes them easy to remove. To better understand these compact devices, this blog will provide a brief overview of threaded inserts and their importance.

When operating moving machinery with wheels and other assemblies, bearings and bushings are two indispensable component types. With the use of a bearing or bushing, moving assemblies can benefit from reduced friction, ensuring that their average lifespan is upheld with lower wear over time.

When procuring various parts for a particular application, it is important to understand the specifics of bushings and bearings, ensuring that you are aware of their differences and similarities. 

Bearings are simple, yet crucial, elements found in countless machines and equipment assemblies, allowing for motion to be constrained to set movements while also minimizing the amount of friction that occurs between two or more moving surfaces. Donut-shaped in appearance, bearings take on the stress of moving parts to best protect the assembly they are installed in.

Varying in design to accommodate different system needs, there are many common bearing types that one may choose from. Thrust bearings in particular are a popular choice, serving as a rotary or roller bearing that supports axial loads.

If you own a car and live in climates that go below freezing, then you’re more than likely aware of the burdens of de-icing your car. For those residing elsewhere, it's not something that you have to think about...unless of course you own and operate an aircraft.

If you are based in a place with temperatures like that of sunny California, owning an aircraft means you have to get familiar with the process of de-icing your aircraft and understand its important role in aircraft maintenance.

Also referred to as a “bleed” or “breather hole”, those tiny holes at the bottom of the airplane windows parts actually have a purpose. Airplane windows are thicker and stronger than they may appear, and for a good reason.

In order to keep airplane cabins windows relatively comfortable, a pressurized atmosphere allows for proper breathing and comfortable temperature. What makes this possible while still being able to watch the skies around you is a three-layered window, made to equalize the low pressure outside and the high pressure inside.