With CO2 emissions from aviation projected to grow by 500% and aircraft-related labor costs expected to increase significantly by 2050, it is very important to analyze the fuel efficiency of our current aircraft engines. Fuel efficiency is the ability of an aircraft to extract energy from fuel.  Aircraft engine manufacturers are constantly working on ways to improve fuel efficiency and significant developments have been observed over the years. In the U.S., domestic flights average 0.54 miles per gallon of jet fuel, an improvement of more than 40% since 2000. Heavier jets in the country have also recorded a 17% improvement in fuel efficiency within the same period.

This guide looks at the various ways in which aircraft and engine manufacturers have worked to increase their fuel efficiency. 

Airlines and aircraft manufacturers understand that increasing fuel efficiency is the key to reduced emissions. That’s why they have been looking for new designs, materials, and technologies that would sustainably increase fuel efficiency.

Airplanes produce less carbon dioxide by enhancing engines, using lighter materials, and improving aerodynamics. Recent research has created new concepts that will continually deliver enhanced fuel-efficient aircraft in the coming years. Below are some of these technologies that aim to lower CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency in the airline industry.

Geared Turbofan Engine

Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies based in Connecticut, came up with one of the best ideas to help reduce CO2 emissions, lower fuel consumption, and reduce noise – the Geared Turbofan Engine. In this new design, the makers focused on allowing the engine’s fan section to operate slowly. In contrast, the hotter divisions of the engine – the turbine and low-pressure compressor – simultaneously operate at much higher speeds.

The results of these engine enhancements are a reduction of operating cost by 20%, a reduction of CO2 emissions by 3,600 metric tons per year and dampening of noise levels by 50%. However, the geared engine has several problems. First, the gigantic fan needed for this engine cannot be retrofitted beneath the wings of the existing planes, meaning the engine will demand new planes designed to accommodate the enormous fan. Second, is that the new engine will demand frequent inspections to check for fatigue and cracks, which isn’t a problem with the current aircraft. Manufacturers will continue to work through these problems to find a way to make this engine more sustainable. 

The Double-Bubble D8

In 2008, Pratt & Whitney, along with other engineers from MIT and Aurora Flight Science, began working on a commercial aircraft design concept. The project, named “Double-Bubble” D8, was focused on reducing noise, fuel burns, and emissions associated with commercial aircraft.
Unlike the typical aircraft, the Double-Bubble design doesn’t have an engine underneath the wings. Instead, the engineers chose to place the engines on the plane body near the tail. This change improves fuel efficiency and reduces drag. If the project turns out a success, it will lead to:

-50% decrease in community noise

-37% less fuel consumption than passenger jets

-66% reduction in emissions in 20 years

-87% decrease in nitrogen oxide emission

It’s now all eyes on the responsible engineers to have the project completed successfully.

The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB Engine

This engine features advanced materials, aerodynamics, intelligent management systems, and clearance control that enable next-generation pressure and bypass ratios. The engines show a 16% increase in fuel efficiency.

Blended Wing Body (BWB)

An aircraft that flies using a radical hybrid wing-shaped body could become a reality just a few years from today. NASA has been testing the “Blended Wing Body” plane, hoping there will be commercial designs by 2035. So far, the Boeing X-48B was made using this technology, and it looks to be taking the world of efficiency to another level.

 Some of the specifications of this BWB aircraft include:

-15% weight reduction

-20% less fuel consumption

-27% less thrust needed

-20% higher lift to drag ratio

NASA says that its project with Boeing has allowed it to make a 777-size BWB plane that would be more than 50% more efficient than typical planes.

The Bottom Line

The aviation sector is making extensive efforts to increase fuel efficiency to a standard that would enhance the entire industry by reducing CO2 emissions and increasing sustainability. Airlines and aircraft manufacturers are investing billions of dollars to achieve this ideal effect. AeroVision International works with many aviation companies to obtain the most cost-effective parts and services. This allows us to offer fuel-efficient engines, engine components, APU’s and airframe components for various aircraft types and engines, including: 

– ATR 42

– ATR 72

– EMB 120

– ERJ 135

– ERJ 140

– ERJ 145

– E-Jet 170

– E-Jet 190

– Legacy Operators

For all your aircraft needs, AeroVision International is just a call away!

Disclaimer:

This Blog provides general information and discussions about aviation and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be constructed as instructional advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional aviation expertise or education. The content in this blog is provided “as is” no representations are made that the content is error-free.

Are you considering working in the aviation industry? There are plenty of fantastic jobs in the field, and it’s an exciting industry to get into. With that being said the nature of aircraft maintenance brings a high potential for possible mishaps and injuries. Whether on a hanger, a ramp, or in a workshop, all aircraft maintenance workers need to be aware of the dangers and take extra precaution.

When workers recognize the associated hazards, they can safely enjoy all the thrills and rewards of the industry’s work. To keep you safe and educate you more on the possible hazards of aircraft maintenance, AeroVision has outlined the five most common sources of accidents and mishaps when performing maintenance on an aircraft.

High Powered Tools

When working in aircraft maintenance, you get to use a lot of high-quality tools. These include grinders, drills, and welding torches. Any repairs you need to make on an aircraft will often involve using these fabrication tools. Even when you are using industry leading tools, it’s still important to practice caution and keep your eyes, fingers, or skin safe from an accident.

Here are some tips while using these tools to help you remain safe and vigilant:

● First, never rush through a repair. When you hurry, you are not only more likely to make a shoddy repair, but you are also more prone to injury.
● Secondly, to prevent fatigue, take plenty of short breaks. A half a minute to a minute break can seriously help your focus.

Aircraft Chemicals and Hazardous Material

Aircrafts contain many different bio-hazardous materials including paints, lubricants, solvents, and fuel. These all contain concentrated chemicals that cause serious damage if exposed to the skin or inhaled. Mishandling these is the most common way people injure themselves or their co-workers. Luckily, correctly handling them is easy.

All workshops or hangers should have safety sheets posted with instructions on how to handle all the different hazardous materials at each site. These will include everything from using, storing, and disposal methods for the concentrated chemicals. Additionally, you should always wear your PPP, including your safety goggles and gloves. It also goes without saying, but never smoke in the vicinity of these chemicals. Finally, find and memorize where the chemical shower is at the facility you are working in in case of exposure.

Propellers, Rotor, and Other Engine Components

Engine components are one of the most dangerous parts of any aircraft. The propellers and rotors are fast-moving and sharp. Fortunately, the likelihood of an engine kicking on while you are working near it is low.

Working around aircraft engine components requires constant vigilance. Tie back any long hair and never wear loose or baggy clothing or jewelry. When you finish your repairs, double-check you grabbed all of your tools and any debris from around the turbine.

Shape of Aircrafts

Aircraft bodies are shaped for flight, and this, unfortunately, also means their shape is not easily accessible for repair crews. Many sites will build scaffolding and raised platforms around the aircraft to allow workers to get around. However, this creates holes and gaps that are easy to fall into if you are not paying close enough attention.

Follow all safety and ladder guidelines to stay safe while working around the awkward shape of an aircraft. If harnesses are available, wear one while working on scaffolding and platforms. Additionally, it never hurts to take a walk around the aircraft taking note of all the gaps and fall hazards before beginning a repair task.

Large Aircrafts

Aircrafts, especially commercial lines, are giant. When maneuvering into a hanger, it is hard for the operator to see everyone on the ground. You can easily be crushed by a wheel or a wing. Colliding with one of these is the last thing you want to happen to you on a work site.

Maintaining constant communication with the operator is the best way to avoid any accidents related to a moving aircraft. Additionally, only entering a ramp with permission is a good safety practice.

How do you practice maintenance safety? Comment below!

Disclaimer:
This Blog provides general information and discussions about aviation and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be constructed as instructional advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional aviation expertise or education. The content in this blog is provided “as is;” no representations are made that the content is error-free.

The pandemic affected everyone and all areas of our lives. Not only personal lives were affected, but businesses and employee’s lives were affected drastically during the pandemic that turned our world upside down. If the last time that you stepped foot on a plane was before the pandemic, then you’re not alone. Since 2019, statistics show that air travel is down by 85%. With the fear of close quarters and the virus spreading it’s no wonder that people feared being in a plane with one another for hours at a time.

2020 not only did air travel drop in statistics, but it also saw a variety of new travel for aviation that we haven’t seen before. Since 1920 when planes first become available for passengers, we’ve seen aviation change the world in ways we never thought possible before. But when COVID-19 came and changed lives, aviation changed just as much as the rest of the world. We saw masks being implemented for flights, seats being blocked off for social distancing, and border closures complicating flights.

Although these changes may seem drastic, it’s nothing compared to all the fluctuations that aviation has gone through since passengers first stepped foot on flights. In fact, these fluctuations are just the most recent developments in a very long history of changes in aviation that have altered how passengers reach destinations through air travel. Although many people are aware of air travel and recent developments with it, few know the history of how aviation came around and just how far it’s come.

If you’re one of these people, we’ll walk you through the last 100 years of aviation and how it’s changed the world.

1920s: Planes First Became Available For Passenger

The 1920s marked the start of a decade when aircraft was designed with passengers in mind for them to fly. Planes looked far different back than they do now, with flying not being nearly as luxurious as it is today. The first plane rides were bumpy, uncomfortable, and far from smooth for passengers.

1930s: All Were Served Luxury Treatment

1936 marked the first time that United Airlines created the first airline kitchen. Until the 1950s, there was no economic class. All passengers received the same luxury treatment; meals, magazines, and quality seats were provided with all flights, a luxury now that would require you to pay for a first-class seat.

1940s: In-Flight Entertainment Was Introduced

In 1941 live in-flight entertainment was introduced as a new feature on flights. On some flights, passengers would even get to experience live actors and singers performing on the flight. Nowadays it’s more common to see passengers using their electronics to stay entertained during their flight, but back in the 40s, it was a different case on flights.

During this time Pan American Airways also began offering frozen dinners to passengers. Advancements in flashing freezing technology allowed for the stewardess to warm up the frozen dinners with conventional ovens before they would bring them out and serve them to passengers.

Towards the end of the decade, in 1948, Capital Airlines created the first coach fares for passengers. Before this, all flights were priced the same, but this allowed an entirely new set of passengers to experience air travel. This allowed for a wider group of people to purchase flights.

1970s: In-Flight Gaming

1971 marked a significant time when Buffer Airlines added technology to their flights for the first time. Passengers were offered the option of playing Pong while onboard their flight, marking the first use of video games on a flight. This was a critical movement for airlines and began a new start to entertainment for passengers on board.

1990s: First e-ticket

Yet another crucial moment in the history of aviation was when Southwest Airlines offered their first e-tickets or electronic tickets to passengers in 1994. The goal with e-tickets, besides keeping up with the world of ever-changing and advancing technology was to eliminate the complications of paper tickets getting lost or stolen.

2000s: Security For Airlines Changed

Passengers faced new security mandates after a plot to place liquid explosives was uncovered in 2006. New security mandates strictly enforced rules on liquids that passengers could carry on flights and the quantity that passengers could bring on flights with them on their carry-on.

In 2012, Delta announced a lower-cost fare cost for passengers that was known as the basic economy. These flights included less than any other, including little to no baggage, no advance seat assignments, and had many other restrictions to them. This was an important part of aviation changing from what it had always been and to the advancements that were being made.

What’s Really Changed?

Although we know how aviation has changed through the decades, do we really know the big changes that have happened over time? There are many rules and methods put in place with flights today that didn’t exist back when aviation first began. Aviation has changed and all these changes aren’t obvious at first. Now that we’ve learned exactly when it changed and what’s happened throughout the decades, let’s take a look at the huge changes in comparison to what aviation looks like today.

Everyone Flies

More than eight million people use air travel every day. That’s a lot of people that are choosing planes as their first choice of travel each day. Although aviation used to be a popular travel choice, there was a point where travel was viewed as a luxury only reserved for the wealthy. Today, everyone flies and chooses it as a form of travel.

There Are Budget Airlines Now

A large part of why flying was viewed as a luxury for the wealthy was due to the pricing of flying. Tickets weren’t nearly as affordable as they are today and those that weren’t part of the upper class couldn’t afford to fly. Now airlines are much more affordable for everyone, making it so that all can fly.

You Could Smoke

If you’ve ever been on a flight, then you already know that airlines are very strict about a no smoking policy when passengers are on board. But, once upon a time, airlines had no restrictions when it came to smoking. You could easily light a cigarette if you wanted to on your flight.

Having an airplane at your immediate disposal can open up a lot of new avenues and advantages for you, regardless of whether it’s for business or personal use. Deciding to have an airplane at a certain point in time is one thing, but deciding whether or not you should own one or lease one is another big decision altogether.

So what essential aspects should you consider before making that big step?

Airplane Purchasing

Purchasing an aircraft is quite like purchasing any item from the store: you either pay the full amount at once or pay via an installment plan over the course of a few months, even years. Upon full or initial payment, the item is officially in your possession. The stark difference is, an aircraft is extremely expensive. This option is great if you have large cash reserves, or have investors that can help support such a purchase.

If you are ready to purchase a particular aircraft but are unsure of its performance or quality, you can opt to lease the same model for a short amount of time and decide if it’s worth buying after the leasing terms have expired.

Airplane Leasing

There is no shame in renting an aircraft. After all, even airlines cannot afford to own all the aircraft they use. Leasing is a fundamental transaction in the world of airlines and aircrafts, especially for airlines that are in need of an aircraft at short notice. Similar to how leasing contracts in apartments function, contracts in the aircraft industry are between an intermediary company that owns the aircraft and the party or organization that will temporarily utilize the aircraft as though it is their own. This contract’s validity is bound by a specified span of time (either short-term or long-term). Once it expires, the aircraft is then returned to its true owner.

Before you jump into leasing agreements, you have to know what kinds of airplane leases there are– you don’t want to jump into a lease you’ll regret soon after.

Wet Lease

A wet lease is when the leasing company provides the aircraft and all that is needed to fly and take care of the plane: the pilots, the cabin crew, maintenance, equipment, and insurance. Take note that this isn’t the strict legal definition of a “wet lease”, as leasing an aircraft with even just a single crew member can be considered a wet lease. This is why it’s important to know what the specifics of the additions are to the aircraft to be leased. Make sure to clarify every detail of the agreement before approval.

This kind of lease is perfect for regular use, and for those who don’t want to hire pilots and their crew each time a flight is abound.

Dry Lease

A dry lease is when the leasing company only provides the needed aircraft. This means that you will provide the pilots, crew, maintenance, and other needed equipment. This kind of lease is perfect for those wanting to expand their aircraft fleet, for those who have their own crew, or for those who can fly and maintain the aircraft themselves (or who are well-connected to those that do).

Damp Lease

A damp lease is a combination of the two previous types of leases. This kind of lease offers the aircraft, pilots, maintenance, and equipment, but without the cabin crew. This is best for those who already have a trained cabin crew at their disposal. This option is also great for those who are undecided between getting a wet lease and a dry lease, both due to financial and resource limits.

Other Considerations

Before purchasing or leasing an airplane, you must always inspect the plane and opt for a test flight before proceeding to any transaction finalities. Take note of important details such as the plane’s engine hours, installed equipment, damage history, airworthiness directives, and paint quality, as one of these factors can make or break your opinion of the plane in question. Make sure that you also have a copy of the written agreement between you and the manufacturing/leasing company.

Your aircraft is also going to need an aircraft hangar for storage and a regular supply of fuel to ensure your plane stays up and running for regular use. Make sure you consider these expenditures before making that final say.

In Conclusion

Choosing whether you are going to purchase or lease an aircraft depends entirely upon your situation, with the key aspects to consider being financing/budget, manpower, logistics, frequency of need, and urgency of need. Always remember to be realistic about your expectations, especially when it comes to your finances, and always ask for clarifications when reading and discussing the fine print.

There are many misconceptions about the safety of the airline industry. Many people are deathly afraid of flying, but airplanes are actually one of the safest modes of transportation on Earth. There are fewer deaths from flying than there are from train-going, driving, or even simply walking across the street in a crowded city.

In fact, in 2015, airplane accidents happened at a rate of one to three million. That is, for every 3.1 million flights, there was one crash, an incredibly low rate of accidents. The rate of fatalities and accidents were actually much higher in the 1970s and 1980s, as the airline industry hadn’t made the many safety adjustments they have up until this point. Here are a few examples of safety improvements the airline industry has made in the last decade to drive accidents and fatalities down and peace of mind way up.

Improvement in Pilot Fatigue Rules

In 2004, flight 5966 crashed short of the runway. There were eleven fatalities out of thirteen passengers onboard, prompting the FAA to implement new rules to prevent pilot fatigue. The crash happened because the pilot was extremely fatigued after flying for several straight hours without break.

The new rules limited the number of hours pilots can fly without a break. Even with advancements in auto-pilot and other automatic fixes, human error is one of the primarily reasons crashes happen. These pilot fatigue rules have remedied this serious problem. A restful crew is paramount to flying safely, and more crews have more rest than ever before because of these rules

Additional Aircraft Redundancies

The most prominent thru thread in the history of aviation has been the improvements and increasing use of redundancy. Today’s pilots are well-trained and versed in many emergency scenarios, but the planes themselves are incredibly advanced and sophisticated.

Autopilot is more robust and frequently used than ever within each plane, which allow them to takeoff and land without problem. The newest planes in the air today are essentially fully automated and all of them are equipped with built-in redundancies, meaning if something fails, there’s always a backup part of component to take over and function properly

Use of Satellite Technology

Many airlines have installed satellite technology in their planes. These instruments are quite advanced and sophisticated, such as cutting edged software and GPS devices. These tools have been installed in cockpits and help guide the plane to its destination in the most efficient way possible, while helping them avoid obstacles in the air at the same time.

Planes today can avoid bad weather and can reroute quickly and effectively when conditions aren’t optimal in any way, shape, or form. Although these changes have been costly, they’ve also helped the airline industry greatly reduce the number of plane crashes in the last ten years.

Cockpit Doors are Locked

Terrorism is a sadly unfortunate part of aviation’s history, but airlines and airports alike are doing all they can to limit the number of terrorist plots from unfolding. One of the simplest but actually most effective changes they’ve made is to lock cockpit doors during the actual flight.

Cockpit doors are now armored and can withstand a great deal of force before they’re opened, and there are frequently air marshals flying with flights to offer further protection. There are also firearms sometimes in planes, possessed by fully licensed air marshals. These changes were all implemented after the tragic day of September 11^th and have worked wonders to reduce the number of terrorist accidents on planes.

Greater Passenger Consciousness of Safety

In the past, (way in the past) airplane passengers would smoke, sip cocktails, and generally have a great time aboard an airplane. Those days are long gone, as passengers have been exposed to the dangers of flight through news reports and the rare plane disaster over the last several decades. Today’s air travelers are well versed in the safety precautions in the air and can recite many of them from heart.

Airplanes are treated more like automobiles today, as seatbelts are buckled, and caution is generally exercised by the majority of people on any given flight. This raised awareness in most passengers has made flying a generally safer mode of transportation over the last few decades, in a slow and gradual way. There are also more people then ever flying, meaning people are generally more cautious and courteous while in the air.

Consolidation and Fuel Efficiency

Finally, airplanes, like many modes of transportation, have become more efficient, and the companies that run them have consolidated several times in the past twenty years. Names like Thomas Cook, NIKI Germanwings, Transaero, and Mexicana have all faded away and the airlines left standing have improved safety features in their planes, in addition to making them more fuel efficient. These events and facts have combined to make flying one of the safest ways to travel in the last decade, and the industry is only trending toward greatly safety improvements.

Airplanes have revolutionized travel for the past century and have created a pathway for millions to experience life at its highest level. But, there is much more to airplanes than meets the eye. The aero-engine is located in all airplanes and comes in all different shapes, sizes, and capabilities that few people realize. Here, we’ll talk about seven airplane engine facts that you likely didn’t know. 

#1.The Cost of An Airplane Engine

Since most airplanes are fully equipped with engines when they are purchased, it’s hard to determine the cost of the engine alone. But, an engine can cost between $12-35 million. The price range is so wide because there are so many different types of jet engines and each has its own thrust rat-ing. Either way, airplane engines are no small expense.

#2. Heavy-Duty Turbines

Did you know that some power plants use 100-ton gas turbine engines fueled by natural gas in order to generate electricity? Residual heat is also used to boil water for a secondary steam turbine. Some studies have shown that emissions from natural gas and its combustion are much lower than those from coal or oil. 

#3. How Often do Engines Need to be Serviced?

Regular engine maintenance is essential to keep air travel safe after a set number of flight cycles, every engine is required to undergo maintenance, sometimes minor or significant, depending on the engine type. For example, the CF6-80E engine that is used to power KLM’s Airbus A330 requires significant maintenance every 7,300 cycles in addition to minor maintenance every 200-400 cycles.

#4. The World’s Biggest Aircraft Engine

You may be wondering what the biggest aircraft engine in the world is. General Electric’s GE90-115B engine definitely takes the cake! This engine has a diameter of 3.25 meters and generates 115,000 pounds of thrust. These engines are also used in KLM’s Boeing 777-300s, which is a lengthier version of the 777-200ER.

#5. How Does a Jet Engine Work?

A jet engine is comparable to a piston engine but it is more complicated. Both inner workings and components are extremely complex, and instead of using fuel burned to move pistons through a four-stroke cycle, constantly spinning turbine blades power the jet engine. A continual supply of fuel and air to burn is required to make the turbine blades spin.

#6. Airplane Engines Are Hot, Hot, Hot

You knew airplane engines were hot, but did you know they are one of the hottest parts of an airplane, reaching temperatures of up to 1,400 degrees Celsius (2,552 degrees Fahrenheit)? This is the area where compressed air is mixed with fuel and then ignited. The engine is “hot” with reciprocating fuel and hence the terminology hot start.

#7. Engines are Fully Disassembled When They Are Overhauled

The average jet engine is extremely complex and typically consists of about 40,000 parts. So, it’s no surprise that it can take up to 50-60 days to disassemble an engine. After a full overhaul, the jet engine will be as good as new and ready for thousands of more kilometers in the sky.

Though we already told you about the top seven interesting facts about airplane engines, we want-ed to include a few more of our favorite airplane facts:

• Airplanes are built to withstand lightning strikes.
• Some airplanes have secret bedrooms for the flight crew on overnight and long hauls.
• You don’t need both airplane engines to fly. 
• You know those white lines that airplanes leave behind in the sky? Those are condensation trails, or “contrails” for short.

Are you surprised by any of the facts? Have a cool one that we missed? Reach out and let us know. We look forward to hearing from you!