Purchasing Efficiency Blog

Helicopters typically have a 14- or 28-volt direct current electrical system. A volt is a unit of measurement that expresses the capability of the force that pushes electrical energy. Amperes are the unit of measurement for a current and describe the measure of an electrical quantity that is available in the system. Small piston-powered helicopters use an engine driven alternator because they are light, low maintenance, and produce a uniform electric output— even at low RPMs. In a turbine powered helicopter, starter/ generator systems are used. Once the engine is started, the battery powers the starter, which turns the engine. After this initial jump, the generator is powered by the engine. Read more >>

Helicopters fly using the same aerodynamic concepts that airplanes use; they use an airfoil to generate lift. The difference is that helicopters generate vertical thrust while aircraft generate horizontal thrust. When an airplane moves forward, the air flows across the wing and produces downwash which creates lift; the airplane has to gain enough speed for this force to overcome weight. When helicopter blades, or airfoils, begin spinning, it produces downwash which then creates lift. Speed is an important factor in generating enough force to overcome the weight in a helicopter as well. Vertical thrust allows a helicopter to take off vertically and hover. Read more >>

ATA chapters are highly valuable to aircraft repair stations. Each code is designated to a specific part of the aircraft. These codes were originally made by the Air Transport Association (ATA) in 1956; they have seen been adopted by all major airlines and OEMs. The ATA chapters are designed with 3 sets of two-digit numbers, typically in an AB-CD-EF format. The first two digits are the most important. Read more >>

The aviation industry has seen a massive increase in recent years, with people flying now more than ever. But, like with all industries, it is sensitive to the ups and downs of the economy. So, airlines are increasingly finding themselves embracing a more financially driven corporate culture. Below are 5 key trends that will shape commercial airliners. Read more >>

Aircraft superchargers are an important part of aircraft engines. As an aircraft reaches higher altitudes, there is less air pressure and air density, so a piston engine no longer is enough to power the aircraft. That’s where superchargers come in. Superchargers are engine-driven air pumps or compressors that provide compressed air to the engine, which then provide additional pressure to allow the piston engine to produce more power. A normal piston engine cannot have a manifold pressure higher than atmospheric pressure on its own, but with a supercharger, we can increase the pressure inside manifold by 30 “Hg. Read more >>