ASAP Aviation Supplies Blog

An airfoil is an aircraft control surface that is designed to react to air moving through and around it. When looking at a typical airfoil profile, there are various specifications to consider. For instance, there is a major difference in the curvatures, or cambers, of the upper and lower surfaces. Furthermore, the leading edge is rounded in appearance, while the trailing edge is characterized by its narrow, tapered look. 

When designing the fuselage and skin sections of a typical aircraft, it is highly important that all joints are secure and everything is well protected from the effects of pressure. Pressure plugs are a staple of wide- and narrow-bodied aircraft alike, coming in the form of heavy-duty fasteners that seal pressurized threaded holes. Also known as threaded plugs, such components can seal an area without becoming loose or failing under extreme pressure values. As leaking pressure can be detrimental for a number of reasons, it can be very useful to have reliable aircraft pressure plugs on hand during construction and maintenance endeavors.

Weight control is a critical element in aircraft safety, which is why there are several regulations pertaining to this topic. Whether it be a fixed-wing, rotor, powered parachute, or any other type of aircraft, each has its own requirements for managing weight and balance. In this article, we will discuss the weight control requirements for various aircraft in order to give you a better understanding of this important topic.

Encoders are communication devices that produce incremental or absolute signals. These signals provide critical data about the speed or position of a motor or other moving equipment and operating devices. These versatile apparatuses convert motion into electrical signals that can be interpreted and analyzed by a separate control device in a motion control system, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC). As a result, the control device can utilize this information to send a command for a specific function.

A washer is a common hardware component found alongside fasteners, often being used to distribute loads, minimize vibration, provide spacing, lock fasteners, and more. While washers typically come in the form of flat, rounded plates with holes in their center, there are many types that may be chosen from to suit a particular need or application. Belleville washers are a type of cupped spring washer, often being utilized to take on large loads with their ability to flatten out under pressure. 

When establishing a wired or wireless local area network (LAN) to interconnect various computers and other systems, a networking switch serves as the central device. With the networking switch, signals sent from all computers on the system can be efficiently routed to one another, ensuring that resources can be shared with ease. To help you better understand the use and importance of such equipment, we will provide a brief overview of them in this blog.

While most people familiar with aviation basics may know what a jet or gas turbine engine is, they may not be familiar with the various subtypes that are found on different aircraft. While turbojets once dominated the aviation market and revolutionized how we fly, technology has since immensely improved to bring about new capabilities and efficiencies. As of the present, the turbofan is the most common engine found on airliners, differing from early turbojets in various ways. 

The autopilot systems that aid aircraft have revolutionized how we conduct flight, allowing pilots to operate such vehicles without continuous hands-on control. While this may make some believe that pilots are then allowed to sit back and relax, autopilot systems are simply implemented to increase safety and efficiency while reducing the workload of pilots so that they may focus on the most important aspects of an operation. Autopilots also differ in design from aircraft to aircraft, featuring varying degrees of automated control and features.

Proper maintenance is critical to the performance of any machine. Not only does routine maintenance affect functionality, it will help you cut down on cost of ownership over time. Both reciprocating and oilless air compressors require relatively minimal maintenance. Nevertheless, there are still important steps to take to ensure your compressor runs properly for its entire service life. Here are nine considerations to make in regards to compressor maintenance.

When it comes to sourcing electronic or electromechanical components, having a clear understanding of common options and their distinct roles in operation is crucial for proper investments to be made. For many, relays and solenoids come up as a point of confusion, both devices being electrically operated switches that rely on electromagnetic principles to carry out their functions. Despite these shared features, both parts serve unique purposes as a result of their differing design, principles, and more.