ASAP Parts 360 Blog

Air traffic controllers (ATC) are primarily concerned with the safety of aircraft, ensuring that they are efficiently directed to meet time constraints while avoiding hazards. Radar beacon transponders, or simply transponders, are devices that allow for the location of an aircraft to be constantly displayed on ATC radar screens. To further the ability of monitoring, aircraft that have an altitude encoder will also have their pressure altitude sent to ATC. Read more >>

Removing an aircraft's engine is not an easy feat. In fact, releasing a single engine on a Boeing 747 requires over 30,000 connections to be undone, and any mistake could lead to costly damages. When is it then appropriate or necessary to remove an aircraft's engine for replacement or repair? In this blog, we will highlight some of the circumstances in which it is required to remove this critical component. Read more >>

Thyristors are a type of solid-state semiconductor device featuring four P- and N-type material layers that alternate. When placed within varying types of circuits, a thyristor will act as a bistable switch. As such, it will conduct when a current trigger is received, continuing until the voltage is either removed or becomes reverse biased. Two thyristor variations are common, each of which differs in the way that its conductive state is triggered. In this blog, we will discuss the thyristor and its functionality, allowing you to better understand their importance and the applications that they commonly serve. Read more >>

One of the most noticeable differences when comparing aircraft design is the wing. Aircraft wings are an essential component as they are the primary surface that generates lift. Several types of wings are commonly used on planes, and they all provide different flight characteristics. This blog will discuss some of the most popular wing designs in the current aviation market.  Read more >>

Aircraft brake failure is, fortunately, a rare occurrence in aviation, and if proper maneuvers are applied, there is a low chance for damage. Early aircraft were not built with brakes as their speeds were slower, and they usually landed in non-paved runways which provided enough friction to stop the plane. Advances in both plane and runway technology necessitated the need for a braking system on the ground. The braking technology on modern aircraft is sophisticated and can be tested at any time while flying. Early identification and execution of emergency procedures can also reduce the risk of injury or damage in the event of a mechanical braking issue. Read more >>

A helicopter is a common form of rotary-wing aircraft, capable of generating the lift and thrust needed for flight with the use of horizontally-spinning rotors. With such vehicles, pilots may achieve vertical takeoffs and landings, hover in the air, and fly forward, backward, and laterally as desired. With these capabilities, the helicopter may be operated in countless areas and dense cities where a conventional fixed-wing aircraft would be unsuitable. In order to achieve the various flight capabilities of a standard helicopter, pilots rely on a set of controls that enable management of flight systems, surfaces, and more. In this blog, we will discuss the four main controls of a helicopter, those of which are the collective pitch control, throttle control, antitorque control, and cyclic pitch control. Read more >>

Lift is the aerodynamic force that allows for aircraft to fly, resulting from the shape of wings as the fluid pressure of air will begin to differ on the top and bottom of the aerofoil during forward movement. While wings are the primary structure relied on for achieving and maintaining lift, high-lift devices are components or mechanisms that may be added onto an aircraft wing for the means of increasing the amount of lift produced. Increased lift can be very useful in many situations, allowing a pilot to lift off with reduced speeds and distances, or safely land in a similar fashion. Coming in a variety of forms which present varying characteristics and uses, it is important that any current or prospective pilot is familiar with the most common types. Read more >>

During flight, aircraft tend to operate at extreme altitudes in which low air pressure and oxygen density is prevalent. If crew members and passengers are exposed to such conditions without ample protection, hypoxia can quickly ensue. To keep all individuals aboard an aircraft safe and comfortable, various oxygen systems may be used. While many airliners and business jets will utilize pressurized cabins and their related oxygen systems, other aircraft require different solutions that often come in the form of portable oxygen units. As there are multiple portable oxygen systems that provide different functionalities, it can be highly beneficial to understand each. Read more >>

Welding is a process of joining metals together through the use of heat and/or pressure, and it is a practice that can be traced back to the Bronze Age. For aircraft in particular, welding is a useful method for manufacturing various structures and components that benefit commercial, private, and defense aviation. Depending on what is being produced and the requirements of the application, there are a few common welding methods practiced in the aerospace sector that may be used. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of the common welding methods for aviation, allowing you to familiarize yourself with each type and what it is used for. Read more >>

While there is much importance placed on the ability of an aircraft to fly safely and efficiently, that same amount of concern is also given to its ability to land and stop on surfaces with ease. With the speed and height that aircraft typically travel at, it is important that there are various systems and equipment pieces ready to provide enough stopping power to slow even the biggest passenger jet upon touchdown. With the use of the aircraft braking system and landing gear, pilots can safely land and stop on runways during various weather conditions, times of the day, and more. Read more >>