An optocoupler, also known as an opto-isolator, photocoupler, or optical isolator, is a type of electronic component that uses light to transfer electrical signals between two isolated circuits. Optocouplers prevent high voltages from harming the system receiving the signal. Commercially available optocouplers can withstand input-to-output voltages as high as 10 kV as well as voltage transients with speeds up to 25 kV per microsecond. The most common type of optocouplers feature an LED and phototransistor in the same housing. Other types include LED-photodiodes, LED-LASCR, and lamp-photoresistor packages. Opto-isolators typically transfer digital on/off signals, though some techniques allow them to be used with analog signals. Read more >>

Fasteners are components that are crucial to aircraft construction, allowing for parts to be affixed in non-permanent and permanent fashions. When a threaded fastener such as a bolt is used for creating assemblies, a nut is always paired with the bolt in order to ensure that the connected objects are secure. As aircraft are often subject to high amounts of vibration during flight, nuts may loosen over time and lose their integrity. As such, special components known as lock nuts are often implemented in order to protect assemblies from loosening under vibration. Read more >>

While piston engines have served many aircraft faithfully over the past century, they still have their fair share of possible failures and part issues. As is with all engines, piston engine components may eventually lose their integrity or functionality with prolonged use, leading to a loss in engine performance or a failure. As such, it is important to always be on top of maintenance endeavors with regular inspections conducted on set intervals. Additionally, having an understanding of the most common parts that fail and why they do can be very beneficial for any owner or operator. Read more >>

From landing gear to flight surfaces, a great number of aircraft systems now utilize electronics to some degree for their operation and control. With a complex electronic system within an aircraft, many electronics and aircraft components work together to provide efficient operation that can be relied upon. To best understand the aircraft electrical system, it is beneficial to first be aware of the various major parts that make it up, as well as how each functions. Read more >>

Whether constructing a simple piping system or a robust aircraft structure, fasteners prove to be one of the most crucial components for assembly, load bearing, and more. Fasteners are mechanical devices, designed to conjoin or affix two or more components together in a permanent or non-permanent fashion. Within the aerospace industry, a number of fasteners are used to join together aircraft parts, allowing for structures to withstand the various extreme conditions that aircraft are subject to during typical flight operations. In this blog, we will discuss the captive fastener which is a type of screw that is commonly used for many types of assemblies. Read more >>