ASAP Logistic Solutions Blog

Man’s curiosity turned aviation into a possibility, with the first manned-aircraft soaring the sky in 1903. Since then, advancements in the aerospace industry have turned flying into a hobby or standard method of travel for many, especially with large, more commercially available airplanes being devised to accommodate the needs of more eager passengers. For pilots, their personal quest to touch the sky is made possible by light aircraft, allowing them to enjoy the freedom such planes provide.
 
Light aircraft are airplanes that have a maximum gross takeoff weight (MTOW) of 12,500 pounds. While light aircraft are primarily used in general aviation, they are also equipped to perform roles under commercial air transport as well as specialized aerial work. Clearly, light aircraft are used for numerous reasons, from passenger and freight transport, to sightseeing, photography, and many others.
 
The majority of aircraft that are categorized as “light aircraft” are made of aluminum, which is characterized as being strong yet incredibly lightweight. However, it is important to note that many parts are made of other materials like steel and titanium. Some well-known examples include the Aviat Husky, the Daher TBM 910/930, the Pilatus PC-12, and a few others.
 
Due to their size and weight, light aircraft can fulfill a wide-range of roles. For those who personally own a small plane, it is a great way to fly across a state or two, allowing you to avoid long delays, crowded airports, and uncomfortable flights. Small commercial operations using light aircraft also transport passengers and freight across relatively short distances. Other uses include aerial surveying and security, marketing purposes, flight instruction, and light cargo operations.
 
Light-Sport Aircraft and Ultralight Aircraft vs. Light Aircraft
 
Light-sport aircraft, which do not typically fall within the same category as light aircraft, are often conflated with light aircraft. Despite having similar names, light aircraft are over the maximum weight permitted for someone operating with only a sport license for flying. You may also hear the term Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) and Ultralight aircraft, both of which are also used for general aviation roles, with a focus on recreational purposes. LSAs cover many amateur-built aircraft, experimental prototypes, and other designs, while Ultralight aircraft are even smaller, weighing around 115 pounds when unmanned.
 
As these aircraft types are fairly new to aviation, there is no globally-adopted standard or set of rules in terms of certifications and regulations. As such, every country has its own rules and laws governing LSAs and Ultralight aircraft. This means that the United States has a set of governing rules that differ from, for example, Canada or the European Union.
 
To better understand light aircraft, we will cover some of the most common examples in the history of aviation. When it comes to light aircraft, Cessna serves as a household name. Many pilots trust Cessna for producing high quality aircraft, with the 150 and 152 being their best units. Next, the Piper PA-28 Series by Piper Aircraft Company are another popular set of light aircraft models that have been produced since 1960. The final example is the Ilyushin IL-2, which is a two-seater fighter aircraft. Initially produced in the former Soviet Union, this model reached its peak in popularity in the early 40s.
 
Conclusion
 
ASAP Logistic Solutions is a leading distributor of Cessna aircraft and Boeing aircraft parts that you can depend on with ease. With new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find options, we offer countless high quality items for low price points and rapid turnaround times. Get started today and see how ASAP Logistic Solutions can serve as your strategic sourcing partner. For additional questions, call or email us at any time; we are available 24/7x365!

Aircraft wings are complex structures that provide a means of propulsion and the necessary lift for flight, allowing aircraft to traverse the sky with ease. Wings are typically attached to the top of the fuselage, mid-fuselage, or at the bottom. Generally, the most common attachment style includes the use of a lug which helps to attach the wing with the fuselage. Here, the bending moment and shear loads from the wing to the fuselage structures are transferred through the lug structure.
 
This attachment is achieved by a series of pinned lugs between the wing side of the wing box and the fuselage. There are a total of four lugs, two of which are located at the front spars and two at the rear spar. Furthermore, the wings may extend perpendicularly with relation to the horizontal plane of the fuselage or can be angled in an upward or downward direction. This angle is called the wing dihedral, and it affects the lateral stability of the aircraft.  
 
While wings are designed with lift-producing characteristics in mind, their design primarily depends on other specifications, such as an aircraft’s size, weight, preferred speed, use, and desired rate of climb. Each wing is also designated as left or right, corresponding to the left and right sides of the operator when seated in the cockpit. Some wings may even have a full cantilever design, meaning that they are built without the need for external bracing.
 
Cantilever wings are designed to be supported internally by structural members assisted by the aircraft skin. Some aircraft may also utilize external struts or wires to support the wing by carrying aerodynamic and landing loads. Wing support cables and struts are commonly made of steel for additional durability. Moreover, many struts and their attachment fittings are furnished with fairings to reduce drag.
 
Short, nearly vertical supports called jury struts are found on struts that attach to wings a lengthy distance from the fuselage. This configuration subdues strut movement and oscillation resulting from the air flowing around the strut in flight. In terms of materials used for wing construction, aluminum is popularly used, but some manufacturers opt for wooden structures covered with fabric or materials made from magnesium alloys.
 
Today, modern commercial aircraft are using lighter and stronger materials throughout the airframe and for wing construction. For example, carbon fiber or other composite materials may be used to maximize strength to weight performance. Meanwhile, the internal structures of most wings are composed of spars running spanwise, stringers running along the ribs, and formers or bulkheads chordwise. The spars support all distributed loads, as well as the weight of the fuselage, rudder and elevator, and engines.
 
Wing Construction Designs
 
The skin, which is attached to the wing structure, bears a part of the loads imposed during flight. Furthermore, it transfers stresses to other structures like the wing ribs which transfer the loads to the wing spars. Generally, wing construction is based on one of three basic designs, those of which are monospar, multispar, and box beam.
 
The monospar wing utilizes one main spanwise or longitudinal member in its construction. Ribs and bulkheads provide the necessary shape to the airfoil, and this design may be modified by the addition of false spars or light shear webs along the trailing edge for the support of control surfaces. Meanwhile, multispar wings incorporate multiple main longitudinal members, ribs, or bulkheads to supply the wing contour.
 
On the other hand, the construction of box beam wings use two main longitudinal members with connecting bulkheads to provide additional strength and contour to the wing. A corrugated sheet can also be wedged between the bulkheads and the smooth outer skin, allowing the wing to carry tension and compression loads more easily. In some instances, heavy longitudinal stiffeners can be used in the place of corrugated sheets.
 
Conclusion
 
ASAP Logistic Solutions is a premier distributor of rudder and elevator components, fastener wing parts, faster airframe assemblies, and more. With over 2 billion ready-to-purchase items in our inventory, customers can easily fulfill their operational needs by requesting a quote on any desired item. With rapid lead times, unbeatable cost savings, and exceptional customer service, ASAP Logistic Solutions is here to serve as your strategic sourcing partner. For additional questions, call or email us directly; we are available 24/7x365!

The word "sensor" is often thrown around in the context of technological capabilities, but what are these components exactly? Sensors are essential instruments that help to facilitate automation in devices that we use every day. With the seemingly endless amount of sensor applications and classifications, it can be difficult for customers to choose the product that is best suited for their specific needs. In this blog, we will discuss the operating principles of sensors and highlight the nuances involved in choosing a particular device.
 
A sensor is a device that can produce an effect in response to a stimulus. This stimulus may be physical, chemical, or electrical, while the sensor's output commonly exists as information sent to a computer processor. One of the simplest forms of a sensor is a thermistor, which employs a diode made from ceramic materials that slightly deform when exposed to changes in temperature. The majority of thermistors are designed to have a negative temperature coefficient, causing their resistance to maintain an inverse relationship with temperature. Thus, as the sensor is exposed to heat, its resistance drops in a predictable manner which may be calculated and sent as information to a paired device.
 
Infrared sensors make use of the invisible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, particularly that which produces wavelengths of 700nm to 1mm. This light, which is invisible to humans, forms the basis for active and passive sensors used in gas analysis, radiation strength, and contactless temperature management. Many infrared sensors use semiconductor materials capable of succumbing to the photoelectric effect, in which the material absorbs electromagnetic radiation from infrared light.
 
Proximity sensors quickly detect nearby objects without having to make physical contact, making them valuable tools for proximity-induced touch screens, ground warning systems, and automotive parking technology. Since proximity sensors lack components that must come into contact with other objects, they generally have long operational lifespans compared to other sensors. While some variance exists between individual products, most proximity sensors project a nonvisible wave of electromagnetic radiation and detect changes in the return signal. As the sensor draws closer to an object, the magnitude of deformations in the electromagnetic signal will significantly increase.
 
Pressure sensors are valuable components used to determine the pressure of gas or liquid. Although pressure may be defined by different physical quanlities depending on the application, these sensors measure the force over the unit area that the fluid exerts. For example, pressure sensors are used to determine height based on the linear inverse relationship between pressure and altitude in aviation. Another use for pressure sensors is in flow measurement. Using the principles of the venturi effect, sensors calculate the pressure difference between two points in an enclosed tube, which is directly proportional to the flow rate.
 
Capacitive position sensors measure a target object's change in capacitance value to infer information about its location. Like proximity sensors, capacitive position sensors can produce highly accurate information without the need for physical contact. The capacitance may be calculated by forming a ratio of the material dielectric constant times the area, divided by the distance between two objects. As such, a decrease in distance would cause a predictable and easily measurable change in capacitance if the object's dielectric constant and area is known.
 
When purchasing sensors for any application, it is critical to procure them through a trusted source. At ASAP Logistic Solutions, we provide customers with cost savings and rapid lead times on an unparalleled inventory of over 2 billion ready-to-purchase items. As an AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accredited enterprise, we implement several quality assurance strategies to ensure we distribute the highest caliber products possible. We are also the only independent distributor to uphold a strict NO CHINA Sourcing policy, ensuring every order is fully traceable or comes directly from a reputable manufacturer. To get started on the purchasing process today, simply browse our offerings and submit an RFQ for any item you are interested in.

When building a high-performance engine, valve trains are critical components to consider. In an internal combustion engine, a valve train serves as the mechanical system that controls the operation of the intake and exhaust valves. Though the primary function of a valve train is to control the opening and closing of valves, it also controls the flow of air and fuel that enters and leaves the combustion chamber.
 
In order for a valve train to work, a camshaft is used as it plays an integral role in the rotational movement which aids the opening and closing of valves that use cam lobes. Most heavy-duty diesel engines use four valves in each cylinder. Two valves are required for the intake of the fuel-air mixture and two for exhaust gasses. Furthermore, there is an injector in the middle of the valves that pushes fuel into the cylinder, and it is timed perfectly to ensure that it is working efficiently. Beyond the valves, valve trains consist of numerous other components that allow them to work optimally.
 
Camshaft
 
The camshaft is responsible for controlling the timing and lift of the valve opening. This is achieved with the help of the cam lobe on the rotating shaft. The camshaft is driven by the crankshaft. However, the crankshaft rotates at half the speed than it would for a four-stroke engine. Through the use of a metal timing chain, rubber timing belt, or a set of gears, the crankshaft transfers motion to the camshaft.
 
Pushrod
 
In particular, a pushrod is a long, slender metal rod used in overhead valve engines.. Additionally, it is utilized to transfer motion from the camshaft in the engine block to the valves in the cylinder heads. At the bottom end of the pushrod, there is a lifter that gets into contact with the camshaft. The camshaft lobes move the lifter upwards, moving the pushrod as a result. Then, the top end of the lifter pushes on the rocker arm, which opens the valve.
 
Rocker Arm/Bucket Tappet
 
Typically, an engine’s design determines how the valve can be actuated. In most cases, a rocker arm, finger, or bucket tappet is used. In overhead camshaft engines, bucket tappets or fingers are utilized. Overhead valve engines, on the other hand, are actuated by a pushrod and pivot on the shaft. It may also be pivoted on individual ball studs which aid in actuating the valves.
Valves
 
In modern engines, poppet valves are most common. However, sleeve valves, slide valves, and rotary valves are also viable options. Usually, poppet valves are opened by the camshaft lobe or rocker arm, and they are closed by a coiled spring called a valve spring.
 
Conclusion
 
ASAP Logistic Solutions is a premier distributor of valve train components, all of which are sourced from top global manufacturers that we trust. With over 2 billion ready-to-purchase items at your disposal, fulfilling your operational requirements is quick and easy. Initiate the procurement process today and see how ASAP Logistic Solutions can serve as your strategic sourcing solution! 

Aircraft refueling and defueling are two different operations, but are essential processes for maintaining a plane. The first process of loading aviation fuel into the plane’s tank for the flight is known as ‘refueling’. On the other hand, defueling refers to a method of extracting fuel from an aircraft and is a job split between the airline and fuel supplier operator.

The potential of disaster is enormous when you are refueling or defueling an aircraft. For instance, if a spark gets in contact with fuel vapor during this process, it is enough to start a fire. If fuel vapors and ignition sources are not managed efficiently, they can become an unwanted disaster.

This blog will give you general guidelines about maintaining an aircraft fueling safety zone and the basics of the aircraft fueling and defueling process. We will also discuss the necessary precautions to be taken while refueling and defueling an aircraft. Let us first begin with describing what an aircraft fueling safety zone is.
 
Aircraft Fueling Safety Zone

Safety is a major concern, especially for the aviation industry. A fueling safety zone (FSZ) is an area with boundaries approximately 3 meters away from the fuel vent exit or refueling plug on a plane. The distance of fuel hydrants, fuel hoses, and felling vehicles also increases according to the local airport authorities or civil aviation authorities.
 
Fueling An Aircraft

When fueling an aircraft, make sure you do it in the open air and not in a hangar where fuel vapors may accumulate and raise the risk of an accident. There are two methods of aircraft refueling:

Defueling An Aircraft

Removing the fuel from an aircraft’s tanks is a delicate process. It can be necessary for maintenance, inspection, or contamination reasons, and changing your flight plan may also require defueling.

Your aircraft has a sequence that must be followed while defueling the engine’s fuel tank. Be sure to consult any maintenance or operations manual for a particular aircraft model, as defueling processes may differ from type to type and may be set up differently in each case.

If you are looking to defuel a pressure-fuel aircraft, the best way would be through its pressure-fueling port. You can use the aircraft’s in-tank boost pumps to pump the fuel out, or you can also use pumps available on a fuel truck to draw fuel out.
 
Safety Precautions: Aircraft Fueling

Safety Precautions: Aircraft Defueling

Aircraft defueling operations must be conducted under operational supervision, either by an operator, flight crew member, or an equipment technician. Personnel involved in the process should pay close attention and follow their safety manual’s instructions for refueling procedures.The aircraft must not be refueled when passengers are on board unless it has a crew ready and skilled enough to initiate an orderly evacuation.

The airport authorities, aircraft operators, and fuel suppliers ensure that their employees understand the safety standards of providing these services. They must provide induction training to guarantee that everyone knows what they need to perform these functions properly while also conducting tests on an annual basis, so there will be no loop-hole during operations.

ASAP Logistic Solutions is a trusted distributor of reliable aircraft components, providing all the aircraft parts and supplies you need for your operational requirements. As a leading aviation parts supplier in the USA, we provide customers access to billions of components. Feel free to contact us for any part requirement or queries.

While equipment such as fans, blowers, and compressors may share similar characteristics, their distinct functions make them suitable for specific applications throughout various industries depending on their classification. Each coming with its own unique subset of types, fans, blowers, and compressors all belong to the turbomachinery family, operating on the fundamental means of mechanical engineering to produce devices which transfer energy between a rotor and a fluid. As turbomachinery is dependent on whether the equipment will extract or add energy, it is imperative that one understands when and where such products are necessary. To better understand how each of these components are applied to contribute a functional purpose, we will be briefly going over fans, blowers, compressors, and where they are typically applied.
 
Fans
 
Functioning as a tool that serves the purpose of absorbing energy to increase fluid pressure, fans are a subset of hydraulic fluid machinery applied for incompressible fluids. For a diverse range of implementation, fans can be combined with a power source to create components such as fluid couplings and clutches, Voith turbo-transmissions, pump turbines, water turbines, and more.
 
Blowers
 
Like fans, blowers absorb energy to increase fluid pressure; however, they are primarily implemented as devices used to affect the flow of air or gas required for exhausting, aspirating, cooling, ventilating, and conveying functions, among others. Classified into two categories, centrifugal and positive displacement blowers, blowers are most commonly referred to as centrifugal fans when used among various industries. In regard to centrifugal blowers, they typically come in eight different types of wheel assemblies, serving the purpose of drawing air into an inlet located on the blower’s housing, through the wheel, and subsequently discharged from the machine at a 90-degree angle. Such machinery is often constructed from fabricated steel, stainless steel, or cast aluminum. Although similar in operation, pressure blowers are specifically designed to draw or push air at high pressures, and are rated in static pressure water gauge (SPWG) measurements.
 
Compressors
 
Though primarily used on gasses such as air, compressors work to increase fluid pressure in various compressible fluids or gasses. Accomplished through the implementation of mechanical means in accordance with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), air compressors must operate with the use of pistons at a high pressure to volume ratio located above 1.20, unlike blowers that function at low-pressure ratios. Employed among various applications and industries, compressors are often seen used in medical and dental applications, oil and gas applications, truck and vehicle-mounted compressors, laboratory and specialty gas compression, as well as food and beverage processing applications. This allows compressors to be the optimal devices to power air tools, paint sprayers, abrasive blast equipment, phase shifting for air conditioning and refrigeration, propelling gas through pipelines, and other similar operations.
 
If you are on the lookout for new or upgraded aircraft parts, fans, blowers, or compressors, do not settle for equipment that is less than perfect. To receive the in-demand parts you need with rapid lead times and cost savings along all avenues, trust in ASAP Logistic Solutions to help you get the job done. Operating with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accreditation, we provide entities with premium items like blower components, blade parts, fan thermal management parts, and more, all of which are sourced from leading global manufacturers to which we trust. Available 24/7x365, entities can expect a return on any quotes for their comparisons through the submission of an RFQ form as provided on our website. Get started on the procurement process today, and receive a quote in no more than 15 minutes or less!