A buoy is a marine navigational aid that floats atop the water. They can come in a broad range of shapes and sizes, such as cones, short cans, tall cylindrical spars, pillars, and more. Despite this, in North America, cones and cans are the most common types. Beacons function identically to buoys, but rather than floating on the water, are fixed to the sea floor. Unlike buoys, beacons do not typically vary in shape. Though the long poles that keep the beacon upright do not allow for much variation, they make it easier to add lights or signage to the structure. For example, depth and speed limit signs are commonly attached to beacons. In this blog, we will cover the main types of buoys, beacons, and lights.

Whether a vessel features a marine diesel engine or another engine type, the governor is a system that is charged with maintaining the mean speed of an engine in accordance with set limitations and fluctuating load conditions. In order to act as a speed controlling device, the governor manages and regulates the flow of fuel that is supplied to the engine, ensuring that certain speeds are not surpassed. Speed controlling devices are paramount to the safe and efficient operation of a marine vessel, preventing damage to engine components and protecting individuals from unsafe operating conditions. As there are multiple governor types that may be used for a variety of marine diesel engines, generators, and alternators, we will discuss the primary types of governors that serve various marine vessels.

When working with hydraulic fluid systems and apparatuses, it is important to always ensure that the fittings and connections implemented are secure and prevent any possible leaking. For applications such as aircraft, hydraulic fluid and power transfer units are crucial for the actuation of flight surfaces, landing gear systems, brakes, and other important equipment pieces. As such, proper hydraulic assembly is very important for pressure transfer and hydraulic power applications. In this blog, we will discuss the various fittings and connections common to hydraulics, allowing you to best manage such equipment for your applications.

In the early days of aviation, many flight surfaces and aircraft controls were handled through mechanical linkages and power. While this served well for smaller and simpler models, the rapid rise of larger aircraft with more complex systems required a more powerful method to ease control for the pilot. With the introduction of hydraulic and pneumatic power systems, pilots can rely on pressurized fluids such as oils and gases in order to achieve the force necessary for actuation. While both systems are fairly similar in their overall operations, each holds its unique capabilities and advantages that make them desirable for certain applications. In this blog, we will provide an overview of hydraulic and pneumatic power systems, allowing you to find the best fit for your needs.

Over the past few decades, an overwhelming majority of aircraft have been constructed from aluminum materials. As a metal that provides high strength to weight ratios at a relatively low price, it is no surprise that aluminum has been the top choice for constructing wings and fuselages. Despite this, manufacturers have recently begun to turn towards carbon fiber materials as they continue to penetrate the market with more availability. As carbon fiber aircraft remain a more expensive option as compared to their aluminum counterparts, why are they becoming ever more present in the aviation industry?

When you’re out on the sea, the last thing you want to deal with is an unexpected engine breakdown. In order to prevent this, it’s important to take every action to ensure that your outboard motor is getting proper care. However, just as important is knowing what NOT to do to your engine. This blog will discuss seven things to avoid in order to keep your engine in top shape.

Elevators are flight control surfaces found at the rear of an aircraft which control the aircraft's pitch, angle of attack, and the lift of the wing. They are typically attached to the tailplane or horizontal stabilizer via a hinge. In some cases, the elevator may be the only pitch control surface present, and are sometimes located at the front of the aircraft or integrated into a rear stabilator - a flight control surface that combines a stabilizer and elevator.

When operating a marine vessel, it is always important to be well aware of the various systems and components that allow the boat to keep operating smoothly. By better understanding your vessel, you can also be more proactive on ensuring that parts are well maintained and taken care of, extending their service lives to save time and money. The marine ignition system is a critical part of any marine vessel, allowing for the engine to be started for sustained operation. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of the various main components of the marine ignition system, helping you to have better knowledge of the inner workings of your ship.

Wings are a crucial element in the creation of lift. As an aircraft’s engine produces thrust, air flows over the top of its wings resulting in an upward pulling force known as lift. Without wings, an aircraft would be able to move forward, but it could not stay in flight. While fixed wings have long been the industry standard, many aircraft have unique wing configurations. A newer type of wing, known as the blended wing, features a webbed design. These aircraft are known as blended wing airplanes.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 situation that has created the current climate, airports have been devising new ways in which to guarantee the wellbeing of visitors and future fliers.