Auxiliary power unit (APU): the unsung hero of aviation safety
In the sprawling world of aviation, there are many components and systems that contribute to the safety and…
Aviation Explained
56 articles
Simplify complex aviation concepts with our easy-to-understand explanations and expert insights. Knowledge at your fingertips.
Jet fuel: all about aviation fuel, its origin, composition, and types
Jet fuel plays a key role in aviation, powering aircraft engines and facilitating efficient air travel. Let’s delve into…
Understanding jet speed: how it’s measured and calculated
When it comes to jet travel, speed is a crucial consideration. The ability to accurately measure and calculate…
How it works: the aircraft turnaround
With the aviation industry as competitive as ever, on-time performance (OTP) has never been more important. The turnaround…
Deadhead pilot – ominous name, important position
In aviation, an industry where safety is the most important factor, having a well-prepared crew is crucial. But…
Can you fix an aircraft that has been ditched?
On July 2, 2021, a Transair Boeing 737 freighter got ditched in the water off the coast of…
EXCLUSIVE | Incredible intricacy and beauty of air-to-air photography
Air-to-air photography requires exceptional skill and a high level of experience from a multitude of professionals. Renowned for…
What are passenger pods and why don’t we use them?
Modular aircraft are one of those things that look extremely good on paper, but despite a long history…
Why aren’t airliners equipped with anti-missile defense systems?
As El Al’s Boeing 737 took off for the first commercial flight between Israel and United Arab Emirates,…
Could helicopters solve the Suez canal blockage?
With the Ever Given container ship blocking the Suez canal ‒ and 10% of the world’s trade with…
Story behind name: why is it called Airbus A380?
Just recently, the last superjumbo rolled out of its hangar and departed for its maiden flight. While the…
Air Force One, the flying White House
From AeroTime Archives | This article was written and originally published on November 16, 2018.If there is one…
Why does every Airbus aircraft start with a 3?
The confetti was just cleaned up after the whole aviation community celebrated the 50th anniversary of Airbus less…
What each Boeing airliner does: a visual guide | Data
What is the difference between Boeing 777-300ER and 787-8? Those numbers, stacked behind the manufacturer’s name, are difficult.…
Snow, ice & A380 fan hub: BEA releases video on unusual recovery
The French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis (BEA) released a documentary on an unusual aviation safety operation. The…
The rabbit hole of aviation world record claims
Everybody likes when aviation records get broken. Those events are tremendous technical achievements and a rare case of…
How dangerous is a lightning strike for an aircraft?
Lightning is a sudden high-voltage discharge of electricity that occurs within a cloud, between separate clouds, or between…
Boeing 777X, future widebody with folding wings
Boeing’s current flagship airliner, the 747-8, will see the end of its production in 2022. In the same…