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What is Aircraft Fatigue?

Airplane jet undergoing repairs to avoid aircraft fatigue

Every part, component, and material has a shelf life. And when that material is regularly traveling tens of thousands of feet above sea level and dealing with various atmospheric pressures and forces, that shelf life might be a little different compared to a material that’s subject to more ordinary conditions.

And when it comes to metals in aircraft, this “fatigue” can be catastrophic and increase the risk of aircraft failure and crashes. So just what is aircraft fatigue and why does it happen? We’ll cover all of that – and more – in this post. Read on to learn more about what you need to know about aircraft fatigue, why and how it occurs, how to prevent it, and more:

What is Metal Fatigue in an Aircraft?

Metal fatigue in an aircraft refers to a weakening in the metal elements of planes, mainly due to repeated flight cycles and the stress on such components over time. This “fatigue” tends to occur in the form of cracks, which begin very small and grow larger over time. Like a vehicle, any new aircraft will age and depreciate as soon as it leaves the hangar for its first flight. As a result, metal fatigue and corrosion begin to occur immediately, though they’re typically not a serious problem until the aircraft can no longer be effectively repaired.

As you might expect, metal fatigue is more common in aging aircraft. It’s why certain aircraft should be retired after they reach a certain number of flight cycles. Failure to do so could present a major safety risk from issues stemming from metal fatigue. Be sure to check with the manufacturer to determine when an aircraft has reached its maximum number of flight cycles, which we’ll also cover later in this piece.

How Does Metal Fatigue Occur?

As we noted in the above section, metal fatigue occurs simply from flying the aircraft over time. Airplanes are subject to a lot of stress flying tens of thousands of feet above sea level. These stresses include atmospheric pressure, G-loads, turbulence, and more. Over time, they’re going to take their toll on the aircraft. Just like a vehicle that has to endure bumpy roads, potholes, and weather events, airplanes have their own fair share of wear and tear that they must endure – and in time, it’s going to catch up with them in the event of corrosion and metal deformities and defects.

Corrosion

Planes are at risk of corrosion as soon as they leave the hangar and take their first flight. Corrosion refers to rusting of an aircraft’s metal parts, often caused by oxygen in the atmosphere coming into contact with untreated metal parts and components. There are various types of aircraft corrosion, including surface corrosion, dissimilar metal corrosion, intergranular corrosion, stress corrosion, and fretting corrosion. Corrosion can be treated. However, if it has become too significant, part removal and replacement is the best option to prevent aircraft failure.

Metal Deformities and Defects

Aircraft with a deformity in its jet

Metal deformities and defects caused by metal fatigue tend to begin in the form of cracks. And while these cracks are so small at first that they can’t even be seen with the naked eye, they become larger over time. Cracks tend to begin in one of three places:

  • Internally in structural elements that are placed under high stress.
  • Externally in skins under pressure from structural loads.
  • At the edges of fastener holes or any area of concentrated stress.

Common Metal Fatigue Failures in Aircraft

In addition to internal, external, and at the edges of fastener holes that we mentioned above, some of the areas that are prone to metal fatigue failure include engines. Generally, any metal part that comes under stress is susceptible to metal fatigue failure – whether it’s an internal or an external component.

How to Prevent Aircraft Fatigue Failure?

The good news is aircraft are required to undergo rigorous testing to prevent metal fatigue – we’ll get into more of that in the next section. And outside of not flying an aircraft, it’s this testing and subsequent repair (if necessary) that serves as the main preventative measure for safeguarding an aircraft from metal fatigue failure. Read on to learn more about the testing requirements and regulations mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Testing to Determine Metal Fatigue Levels

As noted in the section above, the FAA has developed strict regulations for metal fatigue testing.

The first is determining an aircraft’s Limit of Validity, or LOV, which is defined as the number of hours or flight cycles an aircraft frame can reasonably withstand before it experiences structural failure or metal fatigue. Effective as of 2011, all aircraft manufacturers are required to report an LOV. Aircraft may not be flown beyond the LOV unless approved.

technitian determing the aircraft's LOV

The FAA also requires manufacturers to issue airworthiness directives, or ADs. These ADs essentially serve as guidelines for when aircraft should seek service on various components (i.e., the engine, propeller, etc.). Think of them as manufacturer-recommended maintenance for a vehicle after it hits certain mileage milestones, except ADs are mandatory.

Beyond FAA requirements, rigorous testing is essential to determining metal fatigue levels and ensuring aircraft safety. Corrective actions, such as laser peening and metal polishing, can also be done in many cases to repair issues where fatigue is beginning to set in. At J.A. Air Center, we specialize in aircraft repair and maintenance for just about every airframe and engine and can assess your aircraft for metal fatigue and take corrective action when necessary.

It’s worth noting that these testing, FAA regulations, and repair efforts have made a major difference over time. Currently, it’s estimated that only about 20 percent of all aircraft failures are the result of structural issues. Decades ago, nearly 80 percent of all aircraft failures were due to such issues.

Contact Us Today

For more information on aircraft fatigue, LOV, ADs, and more, contact J.A. Air Center today.

What is the Easiest Plane to Fly?

A new pilot is test driving a plane - learning about the easiest plane to fly

It should go without saying that some airplanes are much easier to fly than others. And whether you’re a beginner pilot or just want a very basic plane that you can confidently fly at your convenience, there are several reasons why you might seek a plane that’s simple. What’s more is that after you master a basic plane, it’s easy to transition to flying aircraft that are more of a challenge.

So what’s the easiest plane to fly? As you might imagine, it’s a lot easier to fly a single-engine aircraft than a large commercial airliner. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what makes a plane “easy” to fly, discuss some of the most basic planes to fly, and more. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know:

4 Planes That Are Easy to Fly

Before we get into the aircraft that’s widely considered the easiest to fly, let’s briefly take a look at some planes that are considered simple. Here’s a look:

the pilot and passenger wave at the camera, they are in the cockpit testing driving planes
  • J-3 Piper Club: Initially designed for training purposes, the J-3 Piper Club is known for its gentle handling and simple avionics. However, due to its tailwheel design, it’s a plane that doesn’t handle particularly well on windy days.
  • Diamond DA40 Star: Known for its simplicity and enjoyment, this aircraft is light and easy to handle. It also has a large margin of error, making any mistakes easy to recover from.
  • Piper Pa 28: The Piper Pa 28 series is known for how easy it is to recover from any errors made while in the sky. But what really makes this plane easy to fly is landing it. Thanks to its stability, the Piper Pa 28 series practically lands itself. Even hard landings are cushioned by an advanced suspension system.
  • Cirrus SR22: We’ll round out this list with the Cirrus SR22, a newer model aircraft that tends to be a bit more modernized. Complete with seatbelts, airbags, an inbuilt parachute, and modern avionics, the Cirrus SR22 mixes technology, simplicity, and safety into its aircraft. Its large wings offer enhanced stability, which is especially useful during landing.

Now that we’ve provided an overview of some of the easiest planes to fly, we’ll discuss the aircraft that’s widely considered the easiest to fly. Read more in the next section.

Which Plane is the Easiest?

So what is the easiest plane to fly? Most aviation experts cite the Cessna 172 Skyhawk when posed this question – and a variety of factors help back up this claim. Here’s a look at what makes the Cessna 172 Skyhawk easy to fly:

  • Wing design: The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is considered a high-wing aircraft, meaning that it has a lot of stability in the air and is also less susceptible to turbulent conditions. While turbulence isn’t a big deal for seasoned pilots, navigating such conditions can be a jarring experience for some. This high-wing configuration also allows for premium visibility, which makes it easier for pilots to navigate as well as take off and land.
  • The engine: For a small plane, the Cessna 172 features a powerful engine, making takeoffs and climbing a breeze. The plane flies smoothly and is able to seamlessly glide into its cruising speed – with the key cog being the engine that’s powering it.
  • Spacious, comfortable cockpit: Again, for a small plane, the Cessna 172 has an open, spacious, and comfortable cockpit – and these creature comforts can be a nice touch for a pilot that doesn’t want to feel cramped or uncomfortable when they get behind the controls. Pilots can move around with ease, stretch their legs, and more. Additionally, the Cessna 172 is a four-seat aircraft, able to comfortably seat several passengers.
  • Forgiveness: One of the top reasons the Cessna 172 is widely regarded as the easiest plane to fly is due to its error forgiveness for pilots. It’s an aircraft that’s not sensitive to input, so it’s easy to correct any mistakes made behind the controls. This isn’t just a huge help for novice pilots, but it also helps in terms of aircraft stability due to the aforementioned high-wing configuration. The controls are also easy to use and ergonomically designed to boot, and the rudder pedals are easy to reach and control.

The bottom line when it comes to the Cessna 172 is that there’s very little learning curve for new pilots or aircraft owners – and this can lead to an easier, stress-free experience after takeoff. Flying the aircraft is made even easier with the installation of a factory or aftermarket autopilot system, which can help keep the wings level.

Looking to Purchase a Plane?

In the market to purchase a plane? With any aircraft purchase representing such a significant investment, it’s important to do your homework before you buy. That said, it’s important to analyze your needs, have any aircraft inspected before you purchase it, and even see if you can fly it before you buy it.

pilot adjusting internal systems, learning which is the easiest plane to fly

Think of buying an aircraft like buying a new car – there’s a process you need to go through not just when it comes to signing paperwork and making the financial commitment, but making sure that it’s the right aircraft for you. Contact J.A. Air Center today for more information about purchasing a plane.

Contact J.A. Air Center Today

Whether you’re looking for a plane that’s easy to fly or a plane that’s going to pose more of a challenge for experienced pilots, they’re all available at J.A. Air Center. Contact J.A. Air Center today to browse all of the aircraft that we have for sale in our showroom or for more information about any aircraft and why it may or may not be a good fit for you. We’re standing by and ready to assist you.

A Guide to Aircraft Corrosion

plane technician looking for aircraft corrosion

All metals are likely to corrode eventually. After all, it’s a natural means of bringing these materials back to their original state – and like it or not, it’s eventually bound to happen.

Aircraft tend to be fabricated from a lot of metal parts. Any corrosion on these metal parts can be very dangerous. And while these parts help an airplane take off and cruise 30,000 feet above sea level, that’s also part of the problem with aircraft corrosion. Unlike a motor vehicle, you can’t just pull an airplane into a service station when it’s tens of thousands of feet in the air.

The good news is that there are a lot of things you can do to prevent corrosion until an aircraft – or a part of an aircraft – has reached the end of its usable life. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at just what aircraft corrosion is, the popular types of aircraft corrosion, prevention and maintenance, and more. Read on to learn more:

What is Aircraft Corrosion?

Corrosion is the deterioration of metals, usually caused by air, moisture, or some other chemical reaction that occurs on the surface. Aircraft corrosion is simply the deterioration of metals that make up an aircraft. However, in addition to air, moisture, or other chemical reactions, aircraft corrosion may also be caused by exposure to acid and pollutants, or poor preparation before painting or detailing.

And while all types of corrosion can be unsightly and dangerous, aircraft corrosion has the potential to be much more harmful – and not just because it may occur in a craft that flies tens of thousands of feet in the air. Aircraft corrosion may also be hidden, which makes thorough inspections all the more important. In addition to popular aircraft parts like propellers and fins, corrosion also commonly occurs on battery boxes, hardware, and around fuel tanks.

Types of Aircraft Corrosion

Many people are surprised to learn that there are various types of corrosion – and aircraft corrosion is no exception. Here’s a look at some of the most common types:

Uniform

This type of corrosion in aircraft tends to occur when all of the plane’s metal parts are exposed to oxygen in the air. Arguably the most common type of aircraft corrosion, long periods of oxygen exposure lead to “uniform,” or consistent, corrosion on such parts. Because corrosion is uniform, the damage can be significant. The good news is that uniform corrosion is easy to spot and even easier to predict, making the worst effects largely preventable.

Dissimilar

If two different types of metals come into contact with one another and an electrolyte is present, dissimilar metal corrosion occurs. Dissimilar corrosion can go on for a long time without detection, making it dangerous – and potentially making repairs very costly. There are certain precautions that can be taken to prevent dissimilar corrosion. The most crucial one is to avoid using steel brushes or steel wool products when cleaning an aircraft’s surface. These tools have the potential to come apart during cleaning and embed themselves into the aircraft’s surface. This, in turn, can lead to a greater likelihood of dissimilar corrosion.

Crevice

This type of corrosion happens when water is trapped between two surfaces. Also often known as “concentration cell corrosion,” some common examples are when water gets under paint or beneath an unsealed joint. What makes this type of corrosion dangerous is that it can quickly spiral into exfoliation or pitting. The good news about crevice corrosion, however, is that it tends to be fairly localized. And being that washers, threads, fasteners, clamps, and other small components are commonly impacted parts, it’s easy to know where to look during inspections.

Stress Cracking

Stress corrosion, or stress cracking, occurs in parts of the aircraft that endure a lot of wear and tear. Think of the aircraft’s landing gear or certain engine components. As we said earlier in this post, one of the major problems with identifying aircraft corrosion is that it’s often not easily spotted. It can be hidden. Stress corrosion is often hidden corrosion. There are ways to prevent stress cracking. Some of the most common means include detailing or applying protective coatings to prospective parts, heat-treating surfaces, and shot-peening surfaces.

When Should You Worry?

Any type of aircraft corrosion has the potential to be dangerous, so you should take corrosion very seriously as soon as you detect it in any of its forms. Bottom line: See corrosion, treat corrosion. Make sure you protect your plane and the investment you’ve made in it.

Prevention and Maintenance

plane technician looking for corrosion in aircraft jets

The best way to prevent corrosion is to stick to a regular inspection schedule. For instance, in mild environments, it’s suggested that aircraft be inspected every 90 days. In moderate environments, every 45 days. And in severe environments, every 15 days.

Like anything, the sooner you’re able to catch a problem, the easier and cheaper the fix tends to be. This is also true of aircraft corrosion. The sooner you identify it, the sooner you’re able to repair the issue. In addition to regularly inspecting your aircraft, common corrosion prevention techniques include storing your aircraft in a dry space and regularly washing it to remove dirt, debris, or other pollutants.

While it’s easier to prevent corrosion than it is to treat it, there are a number of treatment options available. Light or moderate surface corrosion can typically be removed via abrasion. Some compound formulas have also recently hit the market that are designed to dissolve minor cases of aircraft corrosion. For corrosion that’s become severe enough, part replacement is often necessary.

Contact Us Today

For more information about aircraft corrosion, how to prevent corrosion from happening, and how to treat it after it does, contact J.A. Air Center today. As experts in all things aircraft repair and maintenance, we have the know-how and resources to treat any corroded parts and get your aircraft back into peak shape. Contact us today for more information on treating corrosion and purchasing an aircraft.

What is the Best Family Starter Aircraft?

Starter cars, starter houses, starter airplanes?

Everyone has to start somewhere, and airplanes typically follow a similar pattern to other “starter” belongings in that a beginner aircraft tends to be a lesser model that’s ideal for new pilots. That’s not to say there isn’t a bond or connection with any starter plane, just that it likely won’t have all the bells and whistles that your second or third plane is likely to have.

In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about a starter aircraft – from choosing an aircraft for your family to low, mid, and high-range options and more. Read on to learn more and see this post about how to purchase an aircraft.

A young family, consisting of a mother, father, and young daughter sit together happily in the best family starter aircraft, the father has a cocker spaniel sitting in his lap

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Aircraft For Your Family

Let’s start by discussing what factors you want to be on the lookout for when considering a starter aircraft. Here’s what you need to weigh when making your decision:

  • The type of flying you’re planning to do: The first thing you’ll want to determine is what type of flying you’re planning to do. Most experts suggest buying an airplane that’s going to meet 80 percent of those intentions. Not every aircraft is going to meet all of your needs all the time, but selecting one that meets the vast majority of them is key.
  • Think of ownership in three to five-year windows: The aircraft you purchase to start isn’t likely to be the one you end with. In fact, you’ll likely be ready to upgrade within three to five years to a better model as you fly more and gain more experience. Regardless of whether you can afford a better plane or not, it’s the experience that should dictate purchase. So start small and upgrade over time. The initial plane you buy should be very similar to the one a pilot is training on.
  • Be sure to price it out for insurance: You’re likely to be surprised at how much it costs to insure an airplane. Make sure you have an idea of what your monthly premiums will be on the aircraft you’re considering.
  • Talk to a mechanic: We always advise having a mechanic look over any used plane that you’re considering. A professional mechanic will be able to spot any potential issues and advise you on the types of problems the model you’re considering has experienced.
  • Comfort and cabin size: You want to be comfortable in any aircraft you purchase. And don’t just think about yourself and the passenger – but anyone in the rear cabin as well. Furthermore, think back to the first consideration we posed on this list – flying purpose. Will the aircraft you’re considering be able to adequately transport luggage, golf clubs, etc.?

Budget-Friendly Options

The father and daughter spend quality time together coloring in the best family starter aircraft

Now that we’ve covered some of the basics to be on the lookout for when shopping for that first family starter aircraft, let’s get into some of the options that you might consider. For convenience’s sake, we’ve broken them down into budget-friendly, mid-range, and high-end. Let’s kick things off by discussing budget-friendly aircraft options. These options include:

  • The Cessna 150
  • Piper Cherokee 140
  • Grumman Cheetah
  • Piper PA-38 Tomahawk

Depending on the condition, these aforementioned planes are typically priced at or below $50,000. Though they tend to be smaller aircraft and have a limited range compared to other options on this list, they represent examples of ideal, budget-friendly starter aircraft.

Mid-Range Options

Mid-range starter family aircraft are a little bigger and more comfortable than some of the more budget-friendly ones we’ve listed here. Some examples of solid mid-range selections include:

  • Cessna 182: : With a top speed of around 135 knots, good fuel economy, and enough space for four adults, the Cessna 182 is easy to handle and versatile enough to fly across the entire country.
  • Piper Saratoga: A step up from the Piper Cherokee we mentioned earlier, the Saratoga is a six-seat, single-engine aircraft that features fixed landing gear and is still small enough to land in places where most other small aircraft cannot.
  • Bonanza A36: Though a bit limited in cargo space, the A36 is often considered top-of-the-class of six-seat aircraft.

High-End Options

The mother and father sit together in the best family starter aircraft drinking champagne, the father has a cocker spaniel sitting in this lap

Finally, if your budget warrants one of these higher-end starter aircraft, there are certainly plenty of options. Options include:

  • Piper M350: Fly high and fast in this aircraft. Its cabin is roomy and spacious to boot, something ideal for a larger family or families with teenagers or adult children. Many compare it to a Ferrari in terms of six-seaters.
  • Beechcraft G36: A high-quality option, this aircraft is appealing to business flyers for its nice, roomy cabin. It’s a step up from the Bonanza A36 that we covered in the mid-range section above because it is upgraded with the Garmin G1000 suite of avionics.
  • Cessna TTx: Offering the fastest maximum cruise speed of any single-engine aircraft, the Cessna TTx is in a class of its own. With a range of 1,250 nautical miles, this aircraft is comparable to a high-class sedan. It also comes with a luxury price of close to $1 million.

Choosing The Best Family Starter Aircraft

As we said in the intro, when selecting the best family starter aircraft you should consider more than just budget – but flying purpose, insurance costs, cabin size and comfort, condition, and more. But beyond all of this, it’s important to think of your starter airplane as nothing more than a small part of your flying journey. Remember, the aircraft you buy to start is likely not going to be the one you own over the long term. Think of ownership in three to five-year intervals to help guide your initial purchase.

Contact J.A. Air Center Today

For more information on what factors to consider when shopping for the best family starter aircraft and to learn more about budget-friendly, mid-range, and high-end beginning options, contact us today. Our showroom is always featuring ideal starter aircraft options.

J.A. Air Center Named Top FBO in Chicago Area for 12th Consecutive Year

SUGAR GROVE, IL — For the 12th consecutive year, J.A. Air Center is proud to announce that it has once again been recognized as one of Aviation International News’ best fixed-base operators (FBOs) in the nation. The survey, which includes more than 4,500 different operators worldwide, places J.A. Air Center among the top 50 FBOs nationwide, including the top two in the Chicago area — a feat that highlights its expertise and cements it as an industry leader both on the local and national scale.

 With over 50 years of dedicated service to the region, J.A. Air Center has proven its expertise and leadership in aviation support, earning it the reputation of an industry leader both locally and nationally.

J.A. Air Center: Top FBO in Chicago Area

According to AIN’s 2023 survey, which included ratings from frequent FBO visitors, J.A. Air Center scored an impressive 4.6 out of a possible 5 points, based on categories such as line service, passenger amenities, pilot amenities, facilities, and CSRs.

This is not the first time J.A. Air Center has been recognized by AIN’s annual FBO survey. In 2011, 2013, and 2015, the FBO ranked as the number-one facility in the country. With more than 150,000 square feet of hangar space, a first-class lobby with a full aircraft canopy, and award-winning services, it’s no surprise that many of the area’s corporate jets choose J.A. Air Center as their home base.

“We’ve served the Chicago area for the past 50-plus years,” says Brad Zeman, President of J.A. Air Center. “It’s been our mission since we opened to lead the Midwest in aviation support. We’re extremely proud to say that we’re a leader not just regionally, but nationally as well.”

AIN 2023 FBO Survey

AIN has conducted its annual FBO survey since 1981. This survey is unique because FBO status is largely gauged based on feedback from the people who frequent FBOs, who also happen to be AIN readers. Readers are asked to rank FBOs on a scale of 1-5 in categories that include line service, passenger amenities, pilot amenities, facilities, and customer service.

Results are gathered from various aviation professionals, including passengers, pilots, flight crews, and dispatchers. These evaluations cover a range of factors, such as the quality of passenger and crew amenities, the effectiveness of customer service representatives, the proficiency of line service, and the overall quality of facilities.

FBO ratings are reviewed each year to ensure accuracy and take note of any perceived irregularities. Final scores are calculated by adding all individual category ratings and dividing the number by the sum of the total number of category ratings received.

How the FBO Survey Works

The 2023 FBO survey was conducted between May 1, 2022 and February 3, 2023. Readers were asked for their participation via a combination of email and e-newsletter solicitation. Only the most recent FBO ratings on a per-user basis were counted.

Contact J.A. Air Center Today

J.A. Air Center has been performing avionics installations since 1965. Our knowledgeable, licensed, factory-trained team has earned a reputation for providing superior workmanship with attention to detail and quality. As one of the most established and well-respected facilities in the world, we are confident in our ability to provide a first-class installation with excellent customer support. We are a certified installation facility for many of the major avionics companies.

For more information on J.A. Air Center and what makes it one of the best FBOs both locally and nationally, please contact us today.

Future of Aviation: Navigating Tomorrow’s Airspace

It’s hard to believe that the first successful engine-powered airplane flight is only 120 years old. After four years of research and development, Wilbur and Orville Wright – better known as simply “The Wright Brothers” – piloted the first engined airplane in the skies over Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in 1903. Since then, there’s been a constant cycle of improvement in aircraft, with various innovations and technologies helping spearhead airplane development to the state that it is now. Planes have gotten safer, faster, and more efficient – and these are trends that are only going to continue as new developments take shape and airplanes continue to improve with time.

In this post, we’re going to take a more detailed look at just what the future of aviation looks like – from advanced wing design to increased engine efficiency, cabin design, and more. Here’s a look at what you can expect the aircraft of tomorrow and beyond to look and feel like – whether you’re behind the wheel or in the passenger’s seat.


Wing Design

If planes are able to become more aerodynamic, they’re going to fly much more efficiently and potentially even have the ability to fly at greater speeds. And one wing design that’s starting to gain momentum in aerospace is the blended wing design. Specifically, this blended wing body (BWB) consists of combining the wings and the fuselage into one. This means that it wouldn’t be just the wings lifting the aircraft, but the entire plane. Today, most aircraft are considered tube-and-wing aircraft, where the wings and fuselage remain separate from one another. While effective, the aerodynamics aren’t very good.

It’s estimated that aircraft with more of a BWB body consume about 20 percent less fuel compared to tube-and-wing aircraft. Planes with a BWB design are also believed to be lighter, quieter when flying, and more maintenance-friendly.


Sustainability

Sustainability is a huge buzzword in just about every industry today, largely because of shifting consumer preferences and an increased focus on slowing the pace of climate change caused by temperatures continuing to rise year after year. The aerospace industry is no exception to this sustainability trend.

In fact, in 2009, the International Air Transport Association made a pledge to cut emissions from air travel in half by the year 2050 compared to what emissions were in 2005. And there are a variety of new innovations that are likely to take shape over the next several decades to meet or even exceed these goals. Some solutions include:

  • New, more aerodynamic aircraft designs
  • Alternative fuels (i.e., hydrogen)
  • More efficient engines or alternatives to internal combustion engines
  • End-of-life recycling of dated aircraft parts
  • More efficient manufacturing

On the latter part about better manufacturing, aluminum has been identified as a material that’s ideal for aircraft due to its lightweight, high strength, design flexibility, and ability to be recycled. What’s more is that aluminum alloys continue to be developed to improve manufacturing even more.

Most small aircraft consume anywhere from 5 to 10 gallons of fuel per hour in the air. If all aircraft were to reach the goal of halving emissions by 2050, developers would need to about double this number as it pertains to fuel economy and efficiency.


Engines

The aerospace industry is well behind the automotive industry when it comes to the electrification of its fleet (after all, you can’t exactly charge an airplane in the middle of the sky if its battery becomes depleted), but there are still a number of engine innovations that are likely on the horizon to help improve the performance and overall efficiency of planes. Perhaps one of the most promising engine innovations are those that work with hydrogen fuel. Many predict that hydrogen-powered aircraft could hit the market within the next 10-15 years. Hydrogen is a cleaner fuel source and also has a variety of performance benefits.

Hybrid engines are another development that is on the cusp of becoming more mainstream. Hybrid engines are those that combine a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric motor. They perform more efficiently and burn less fuel.

In the future, airplanes will likely be powered by advanced engines that do more with less. That is, the engines are powerful but use less fuel. This won’t just help with an aircraft’s environmental impact, but also in the reduction of operator costs.


Cabin Design

Developers are always on the lookout for ways to maximize cabin space or ways to transport more passengers in an aircraft. And while this is easier said than done, some ideas for the aircraft of the future include larger cabins that are able to transport more people or items. Even double-decker-style cabins have been conceptualized, but the challenge is designing in a way that won’t impact an airplane’s performance. We mentioned how the blended wing body design is becoming more popular in the development of aircraft. This design also has a direct impact on cabin design, as the fuselage and wings come together as one and aren’t separate elements.

Avionics will likely continue to advance as well. What’s nice about avionics is that these are upgrades that can be made to an aircraft at any time, especially if your plane’s current system is outdated and you want to replace it with a more advanced system.


Contact Us Today

For more information on what the future of airplanes has the potential to look like, contact J.A. Air Center today. And remember, while you wait for the next generation of aircraft to hit the market, you can make improvements to your existing aircraft so it suits your needs now and into the future. Contact J.A. Air Center today for more information on the various improvements and upgrades we can help you with. We also sell and inspect aircraft. Contact us today for more information.