Methodical Purchasing Blog

The first airplanes did not come equipped with such technology like vacuum pumps installed on them. On the contrary, the suction that was needed to manage the inner gyro equipment was supplied by a venturi tube that was placed on the outside of the aircraft. Venturi tubes were simple and manageable but they did come with many disadvantages because it was so dynamic, meaning the aircraft was forced to be constantly moving at a fairly high speed to develop enough vacuum to run the instruments. Not only that but this tube needed to rotate the gyros before the venturi could start being used and it left the system exposed to the elements. What eventually solved this problem was the engine-driven vacuum pumps which we’ll go over more in detail below. 

A gas turbine, also known as a combustion turbine, is a type of continuous and internal combustion engine. The basic operation of a gas turbine engine is as such: atmospheric air flows through the compressor where it is brought to higher pressure. Here, energy is added by spraying fuel into the air and igniting it to create a high-temperature flow. This pressurized gas enters the turbine, producing a shaft work output used to drive the compressor. The unused energy comes out in the form of exhaust gases. Each part of the gas turbine has an important role in its operation, but the most critical components of it are the compressor, combustion chamber, and the turbine. This blog will explain each part as well as its role within the engine as a whole.

A stabilizer is an aerodynamic control surface that provides longitudinal and/or direction stability and control.  A stabilizer can feature a fixed or adjustable structure on which any movable control surfaces are hinged, or can be a fully movable surface such as a stabilator. Depending on the configuration, the stabilizer may only refer to the front part of the control surface. There are three primary types of stabilizers: Horizontal stabilizers, vertical stabilizers, and combined longitudinal-directional stabilizers. This blog will explain each type, their differences, and their functions.

Within the realm of aviation, hoses may be used for a variety of systems and applications. From fuel lines to hydraulic systems, aircraft hoses are an important component for standard operations. In general, hoses are a flexible tube that may be used to transport fluids between two locations. Depending on their application, hoses may vary in their materials, pressure rating, flexibility, and other factors. Common hose materials that are used across standard applications include synthetic rubbers, natural rubbers, PVC, nylon, polyurethane, and polyethylene. In this blog, we will provide an overview of the aircraft tubing system, and how hoses benefit aviation and related activities.

A heat exchanger is a device that allows heat from a liquid or gas to pass onto a second fluid without the two fluids having to mix together or come into direct contact with one another. In simpler terms, the heat exchanger transfers heat without transferring the source of said heat. They are commonly used to cool hydraulics, ram air, auxiliary power units, gearboxes, and many other components found in an aircraft.

An air compressor does just that -- it compresses air. Air compression is achieved by an increase of air pressure. This pressure can then be used for its kinetic energy and released incrementally to provide a reactive function. Take for example, a nail gun. When a nail gun is connected by a hose to an air compressor and you pull the trigger, the pressurized air in that storage tank is released. This release allows the pressure built up in the storage tank to shoot out like popping a pimple. Much the same, a pressure washer and pressure washer parts create the same effect with water. 

The propeller, an essential part of an aircraft, is a device that converts rotational energy from the engine into propulsive force. Though the propeller is a relatively straightforward piece of machinery, it comes in many different variations depending on the performance requirements of a given aircraft. Here are the six most common types of aircraft propellers and their unique characteristics.

Most people know, simply from looking upwards at a flying aircraft, that planes have their own set of lights attached to them. However only pilots, aircraft mechanics and others in the industry know what each light means and why they are positioned the way that they are. For a basic outline on aircraft lights and when they are utilized, read on below.

Aircraft tires are one of the most important components of an aircraft for taxiing, takeoff, and landing. Because of the high amount of stress that is endured with each flight, it is critical that they are regularly inspected and replaced as necessary. There are many factors that may decide whether a tire should undergo MRO, and monitoring these signs and more can help you know when it is time for repair and replacement.

Hydraulic systems in aircraft are a very important and complex system, and always need to be maintained adhering to the highest standard. As an aircraft hydraulic systems, or AHS, is vital to the aircraft’s performance and safety, it’s crucial that it works at peak efficiency with as little downtime as possible. As they are a very intricate system that serve many different functions, understanding aviation hydraulic systems is the first step to their maintenance.