In order to keep up with the many flights that happen each day, airports operate with very little downtime. As soon as an airplane lands and reaches the airport gate, airline staff and ground handling agencies start preparing the aircraft for its next departure. Combining airport ramp operations, ground handling, and ground support equipment, these constant operations can end up being very expensive. So, in order to increase cost savings, many airlines work to streamline and maximize the efficiency of their ground handling equipment. In this article, we share some of the ways in which airline operators may lower costs and get the most out of their airport ground support equipment (GSE).

In the aviation and aerospace industries alike, the use of electronics on board has skyrocketed to match improving technology. Though these systems are less visible than jet propulsion technology or airplane wings, they are just as crucial for making spaceflight possible. As such, the electronic systems on board range from propulsion system monitoring and flight control to internal and external communications. To find out more about the use of electronic systems in the aerospace industry, read on as we discuss some of the major functions they fulfill. 

Gas turbines are the most common method used to power modern aircraft and generate thrust. As a form of combustion engine, gas turbines typically consist of a centrifugal air compressor, combustion chamber, and a large turbine which is rotated by the force of expanding gas during combustion. To safeguard the combustion process from potential faults, there are several control systems at work in the engine. These control systems include the lubrication of the oil system, and fuel system, alongside the fire, gas detection, and suppression system. Such systems come with their own set of processes which will be covered here, along with some helpful information for buying gas turbine system parts.

O-rings find use in countless applications for being simple sealing solutions. Not only do they seal moisture and environmental contaminants out, but they also separate surfaces to prevent friction, and keep in essential fluids/lubricants. Despite their general simplicity, O-rings used in the aerospace sector display an unexpected level of complexity that should be factored in when making a purchasing decision.

Ground Power Units (GPUs) belong to a category of tools and instruments called Ground Support Equipment (GSE). GPUs in particular are used for aircraft to supply power to airplanes when parked on the runway. When aircraft are stationed in a hangar, GPUs serve as critical workhorses, allowing various maintenance operations to be carried out. Each aircraft GPU delivers a specific amount of power through the use of a standard electrical system, battery pack, and gas, diesel, or small turbine engine. To better understand the function of GPUs, we will outline some varying types and their unique features.

Aircraft designs today have come a long way from where they started with the first flight in 1903. The beginning of man-made flight was characterized by many accidents and tragedies, but safety quickly became a top priority for early aerospace engineers. In the process of creating a sturdy, airworthy design, wing-twisting was discovered. Many early wing designs were ill-equipped to withstand the bending forces resulting from aerodynamic lift that keeps the aircraft aloft, and aircraft wings snapping off during changes in direction was a recurring issue. To better understand the physics behind this major obstacle of early flight, we will explore the discovery of divergence and how aircraft engineers eventually overcame the issue of wing-twisting.

Adequate aircraft maintenance is a necessary task incumbent upon those who own or operate such vessels. Aviation is by far the safest form of transportation due to the endless amount of stringent regulations set forward by the FAA and other agencies. However, this safety is only made possible through diligent adherence to those mandates by aircraft owners. With that background in mind, one may wonder if there are any important considerations when choosing a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility to perform service on their aircraft. In this blog, we will discuss the various things to look for when choosing an MRO facility in order to establish its reputability and fit with your requirements. 

Preheating aircraft engines is extremely important. Giving a cold start to the engine without preheating causes much more wear and tear than 1000 hours of runtime will. Or worse, it could lead to engine failure after take-off. While the term preheating might sound like it is just about increasing an engine’s oil temperature, it is more than that. It involves heating the entire engine to bring all working components up to an optimal and safe temperature range.

 When a flight ends, a commercial aircraft will need to rapidly be cleaned, inspected, and prepared for the next set of passengers in a process known as a turnaround. To ensure smooth flights with no delays, the aircraft turnaround process must be minimal while ensuring all regulations and procedures are met. In this blog, we will discuss the efficiency of aircraft turnaround operations and how such processes can be safely improved.