Camshafts are a vital component of an internal combustion engine, controlling the opening and closing of intake and exhaust valves to regulate the flow of air and fuel into the engine, as well as the expulsion of exhaust gasses. Understanding the various types of camshafts and their functionality is essential for anyone interested in engines, whether you are a mechanic or an automotive enthusiast. As such, read on as we cover common types of camshafts on the market and their functions.

Flaps are an essential element of many aircraft wings that play a crucial role in enhancing flight performance and safety. As flaps are used to manipulate the flow of air around wings for optimal control during flight operations, having a general understanding of them and their use can be crucial for any current or prospective pilot. In this article, we will discuss five facts about flaps, allowing you to gain insight on these pivotal flight surfaces.

To maintain their heading and adjust for changing conditions, pilots must know the altitude of their aircraft at all times. Aside from ensuring the plane is high enough to avoid obstacles, reaching the correct altitude is important for maintaining the best flight conditions with regards to pressure, temperature, and wind patterns. However, a quick look at the flight display will show that there is more than just one altitude value to consider. So what makes each of these values different? While the central focus of this blog is true altitude, we will also discuss the importance of indicated and absolute altitude. In general, some versions of altitude are more useful during takeoff and landing, while others are best to know when cruising.

While all aircraft windows on passenger planes are constructed to be highly secure and reliable while providing visuals outside of the cabin, the specific design of each may vary based on the model of aircraft or operating company. For example, those of Boeing 787 aircraft are known for being devoid of any physical shade, differing from other models where a physical light blocker can be pulled down when one wishes to prevent the entrance of sunlight. Despite this, windows on a Boeing 787 can still block out light with the use of buttons that control tint. As this is a very different method of light control when compared to other aircraft models, one may wonder how the cabin window dark tint feature is possible.

Although it might be intuitive to think that aircraft aim to fly at the highest speeds possible throughout flight, this is not the case in practice. In fact, pilots constantly monitor and adjust airspeed to optimize for maximum efficiency and safety. Determining proper airspeed is equally complex as it is important, which is why it is necessary to review some key concepts first, including how airspeed and efficiency are measured. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about airspeed optimization, highlighting its importance, measurement, and determination criteria.

Vacuum gauges are instruments that measure pressure below atmospheric pressure. They find use in a multitude of industries, ensuring the proper functionality and reliability of a particular system or equipment. As such, this blog will cover vacuum gauges, their uses, and their function to better understand their importance.

Check valves are a common element of piping systems involving fluids, and such parts serve as a preventative method against backflow. As a type of one-way valve, check valves only permit the flow of fluids in a single direction for the protection of piping, valves, pumps, and other hardware against the detrimental effects of water hammer. In this blog, we will discuss the common types of check valves and their applications, allowing you to better understand the importance of such parts.