What Are Trim Tabs on Airplanes?
Trim tabs have been used in airplanes for decades. Typically found on the outer edges of the ailerons, rudders and...
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Why Do Airplanes Have Swept Wings?
If you look at commercial airplanes — as well as many privately owned airplanes — you’ll probably notice that most...
Why Are So Many Airplanes Painted White?
The next time you fly, look outside at the airport’s tarmac and you’ll probably discover that most of the airplanes...
Why Do Airplanes Leave a White Smoke Trail in Their Wake?
When you look up the sky on a clear and sunny day, you may see white smoke trails left behind...
How Autopilot Works In Modern-Day Airplanes
It’s not uncommon for modern-day airplanes — especially larger commercial airplanes — to have an autopilot system. Even if you’re...
Why Are Airplanes Manufactured With Riveted Joints Instead of Welded?
From the Airbus A330 to the Boeing 787, practically all commercial aircraft are manufactured with riveted joints instead of welded...
How Are Airplanes Electrically Grounded?
Grounding is essential to creating a safe environment when using high-powered electrical devices. If a device malfunctions and begins drawing...
What Is ‘Reverse Thrust’ in Airplanes and How Does It Work?
Commercial airplanes today use complex control systems consisting of hundreds of dials, knobs, buttons, switches, levers and more. Whether it’s...
How Firefighting Airplanes Work
Ground forces are just one tool used to prevent, control and extinguish wildfires. While essential to firefighting operations, air forces...
Why Do Airplanes Fly in Earth’s Troposphere?
Although there are exceptions, most commercial jets fly at around 28,000 to 35,000 feet. Being that Earth’s troposphere is between...