Aviation Stack Exchange
Aviation Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [aircraft-systems]

The essential systems found on most aircraft, including power plants, fuel systems, electrical systems, and flight instruments.

Aircraft systems are the essential systems found on most aircraft, including power plants, fuel systems, electrical systems, and flight instruments.

468 questions
21
votes
6 answers

Is the Fortran language still being used in aviation?

I am an aeronautical engineering student at Istanbul Technical University and our course plan includes Fortran as a programming language. I have some doubts about that because Fortran is an old language. Is Fortran still being used in aviation?
Oğuz Özdoğan
  • 213
  • 2
  • 5
16
votes
4 answers

Why do we lean the mixture when the air become less dense?

In a carbureted engine at higher altitudes, less dense air means there is less air entering the engine. Wouldn't we want the mixture to be full rich to allow the maximum air into the engine? I understand that the engine will become rough if we don't…
jskypilot
  • 3,829
  • 14
  • 35
  • 62
14
votes
2 answers

What does "alpha floor" mean?

I was talking to a pilot, and he said that the alpha floor had been activated, and I did not have time to ask him to explain this. So, can you clarify my doubt, please?
eduardoguilherme
  • 3,158
  • 5
  • 25
  • 46
14
votes
2 answers

Do airliners or business jets have brake temperature sensors?

Reading the question found here: Do some aircraft lower the landing gear mid-flight Some of the replies got me curious... Do heavy jets or even business jets have brake temp sensors or indicators? In the fast-movers we don't have this luxury and…
user3309
13
votes
3 answers

Why is there a compressor in an air cycle machine?

I'm a curious high school student. Why is there a compressor after the first heat exchanger in an air cycle machine? I've read that compressing the cold air is for the cause of efficiency because compressing hot air uses much more work than cold…
F.A
  • 131
  • 1
  • 3
9
votes
2 answers

Where do standard torque values in maintenance manuals come from?

Maintenance manuals of today's civil aviation aircraft (from both Boeing (e.g., B-737) and Airbus (e.g., A320)) have special chapter to describe "standard torque value" for fasteners and connections. These values are determined by material, size,…
lyl
  • 203
  • 1
  • 5
6
votes
2 answers

What do the number at end of model numbers mean?

When i see thing on the internet about aircrafts it often has a number at the end of the model number such as B737-300, what does the number after the dash mean?
L.Halfpenny
  • 1,707
  • 4
  • 18
  • 27
6
votes
1 answer

How does terrain alert system work?

How does the voice in landing phase figure out the altitude from the runway? Is it reading the altitude from altimeter or totally separate system? How accurate is the reading? Where is the reference point for altitude measurement? is it from…
pmoubed
  • 2,025
  • 4
  • 27
  • 36
6
votes
1 answer

What is the teardrop-shaped appendage on the T-6 Texan?

Can anyone explain what is the teardrop-shaped item behind the cockpit?
XF-91
  • 2,096
  • 2
  • 24
  • 32
5
votes
1 answer

White light illuminating the engine coming on at intervals in flight; Curious what's the protocol?

I was recently flying Air China from Beijing to Bombay & happened to seat on the Window seat close to the wings. I could see the engines and there was a light that could illuminate the engines. As I recall it was switched on at some point at the…
curious_cat
  • 8,436
  • 7
  • 45
  • 94
5
votes
1 answer

Are the details of flight control laws the same for every fly-by-wire Airbus aircraft or are they only the same within the specific family?

I was wondering if someone learns the details of every single flight control law for the A320 family, does that knowledge still apply to all the other Airbus aircrafts? If not, what are the differences?
Fromthedeep
  • 659
  • 1
  • 5
  • 6
5
votes
2 answers

Is it possible to “buddy start” a modern jet aircraft? I was on a 737-(200?) where thrust of one jet was used to start our aircraft

A long time ago I was on a 737 ( I believe -200 but it could been -300) with an inop APU and cross bleed. We taxied out on one engine and snuggled up behind another 737 - it looked like 15 feet from our nose to the tail of the other aircraft. The…
Tangojul
  • 59
  • 2
4
votes
1 answer

Why do some planes cage their attitude indicator while parked?

I've noticed that some planes cage their attitude indicators when Parked and uncaged them after start. As seen in this Lear 35 checklist. Why is this?
Boeing787
  • 6,454
  • 3
  • 33
  • 82
4
votes
1 answer

How do electric carbon monoxide detectors work?

How does the electric carbon monoxide detector in cabin or cockpit on aircraft work?
Myat Khant
  • 229
  • 1
  • 7
4
votes
0 answers

What are the driving factors for performing a steep approach

What are the factors a pilot needs to consider before preparing for the steep approach? How is steep approach combined with auto land feature.
user2927392
  • 2,359
  • 2
  • 20
  • 37
1
2 3