Fixed Pitch propellers are fine and dandy for most low performance bug-smashers, but as power and performance increases, there needs to be a better way to get that power into the air. As power increases, a fixed-pitch propeller either needs to increase in size, or a different propeller with a steeper pitch must be installed. Read More…
There are only a few non-engine indicators that an airplane really needs for VFR flight. A compass to see where you’re headed, an altimeter to see how high up you are, and an airspeed indicator to tell how fast you are going. Planes are designed to operate at certain speeds, and it’s important to be Read More…
Flaps have become ubiquitous on modern airplanes, as they give pilots more flexibility and maneuverability during landing and, occasionally, takeoff. The purpose of flaps is to create both extra lift and drag, lift being created by increasing the surface area of the wing, and drag by extending the flap down into the air stream. This Read More…
The altimeter is only one of many instruments, but it is one of the most important because it tells the pilot how high they are. But just reading the number indicated doesn’t give the full picture about what’s going on. Why? Because there are different definitions of altitude, and altimeters must be calibrated correctly to Read More…
Leafing through Jane’s, or geeking out about your favorite planes on Wikipedia, you may have noticed that some planes are said to have turbojet engines, and some have turbofans. You might be wondering (and for good reason) what the differences are between each. Throughout this article, we’ll give you a brief understanding of what each Read More…