Purchasing Synergy Blog

Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMMs) serve as the cornerstone for the proper maintenance and repair of aircraft across the aviation industry. These comprehensive documents provide detailed instructions, procedures, and guidelines for maintaining, inspecting, and servicing various components and systems of an aircraft. From routine checks to complex repairs, AMMs are indispensable resources for aircraft technicians, engineers, and operators worldwide.

The yaw damper system encompasses a series of accelerometers and sensors that monitor an aircraft’s rate of yaw. Generally, these are electronically connected to an onboard flight computer that processes various inputs and automatically controls actuators connected to the rudder. Together with the aircraft’s ailerons, the rudder pushes the tail to the right and left to guide the aircraft along this axis. You can think of the yaw damper as an automated pair of feet on the rudder pedals.

In general, the rudder is responsible for shifting the shape of the vertical stabilizer’s airfoil, increasing drag and allowing the aircraft to move accordingly. For further context, yaw motion is defined as side to side movement of the aircraft nose and it is usually caused by the deflection of the rudder. The change in side force generated by deflecting the rudder creates a torque about the center of gravity, causing the airplane to rotate.

The nacelle of an aircraft is a type of housing or enclosure that may be situated somewhere on the airframe, and it typically serves to house cargo, passengers, or equipment. For example, an engine nacelle is a common feature of aircraft where the engine itself is often stored. Generally, these spaces are elongated and tubular, and they are most often perpendicular to the wing while sitting parallel with the cabin. In this blog, we will discuss the history of the nacelle in the scope of military aircraft, allowing you to have a better understanding of their historical uses.

As powered aviation became increasingly popular in the 1920s and 1930s, engineers and manufacturers began to seek ways in which drag could be reduced for the benefit of increased performance and efficiency. Through various experimentation, things like the single-wing design and the use of lightweight materials became much more popular. Around this time was also when wind tunnel testing became widespread, making the experimentation process more optimal. This all eventually led to the implementation of nacelle structures on aircraft for drag reduction, and they were heavily used during World War II for fighter aircraft like the P-38 that featured three separate nacelles.

Hydraulic systems are a staple of modern aircraft, such technology taking advantage of the properties of compressed fluids situated in enclosed spaces to create harnessable force. With hydraulic systems, aircraft are able to effectively control flight surfaces, deploy and retract landing gear, and much more. In this blog, we will provide a brief and basic overview of the aircraft hydraulic system, allowing you to have a better understanding of its design, use, and capabilities.

Aircraft are generally serviced and maintained by Ground Service Equipment (GSE) which consists of service carts like tow trucks as well as repair or replacement components. Aerospace GSE supports a wide range of intricate systems by providing hydraulic test stands, compressors, nitrogen, cooling air and various components such as hydraulic quick couplings. Due to the services GSE provides, hydraulic aircraft GSE must be properly maintained according to the OEM operations manual, allowing the service team to carry out trouble-free service and prevent costly problems.

Curious about ATA codes? In this article, we will cover information frequently asked about ATA codes and ATA chapters, and why they are standard for commercial aviation applications. 

Tires are integral components of an aircraft’s landing system. Preventing airplanes from landing directly on their bellies, tires are equipped to withstand the weight of the aircraft and the friction it creates on the runway. While some aircraft have four or six tires, others may contain up to 10 tires, depending on the size of the aircraft.

Electromechanical switches are devices used to make, break, or change the route of current flow in circuits. Available at low price points, electromechanical switches come in a variety of types, sizes, and current switching capabilities. Reliable and durable in terms of performance, electromechanical switches are considered simple human-to-machine interfaces (HMIs).

An IDG, more formally known as an Integrated Drive Generator, is a type of power system commonly implemented within aircraft for the means of governing all engine hydraulic systems. In general, such assemblies consist of a single housing which contains a Constant Speed Drive (CSD) and an AC generator mounted in parallel. With the controlled differential capabilities of the CSD, a consistent output speed can be maintained for driving the AC generator. With this process, many key components of the aircraft are provided the energy necessary for their functionality. As a result, it is crucial that operators maintain their IDG for optimal flight operations.

A ball bearing is a common form of rolling-element bearing, featuring balls placed between races to maintain separation. With the use of such products, rotational friction between moving surfaces can be mitigated while axial and radial loads are supported. With the use of ball bearing cages, also known as retainers, the bearings may be held together while balls are separated from one another. Coming in numerous types, such bearing elements are crucial for standard operations and may act as a reservoir or supplier of oils for lubrication. In this blog, we will discuss ball bearing cages and retainers, allowing you to better understand their functionality and common types.