AOG Purchasing Blog

Contacts are the pins and sockets at the ends of a connector which pass an electrical current when they come into contact with each other. Contacts may come preloaded in a connector or come separately to be added by machine or by hand. It is important to know what contacts you may need and understand how best to install them. In this guide, we will review the different types of contacts and key things to consider when choosing the right one for any application.

Propellers are an integral part of an aircraft's performance and safety. They are also one of the components most commonly exposed to environmental stressors. Although these elements are explicitly designed to withstand most occurrences, there will inevitably be a situation where a propeller is damaged, leaving the operator to ask, "Should I replace or repair my propeller?" This is an important question since propeller replacements can be costly, and not replacing a faulty propeller is a serious safety threat. In this blog, we will discuss the nuances associated with deciding whether a propeller needs to be repaired or replaced.

If you are using an electronic component, it most likely has a voltage regulator. A voltage regulator is an instrument that helps maintain a constant voltage, such as for a refrigerator, LED TV, or computer, effectively stabilizing the DC voltages used by components. Voltage regulators can either have a simple feed-forward design or a negative feedback design. Voltage regulator design depends on AC or DC voltage requirements; thus, it can be an electromechanical mechanism or electronic components. There are different voltage regulators available based on different mechanisms and factors, such as the application, voltage requirements, power conversion, etc. In this blog, we will briefly discuss active regulators, DC voltage stabilizers, electronic voltage regulators, and electromechanical regulators.

Aircraft rely on a fuel system to pump, manage, and deliver the fuel that powers flight. In aircraft fuel systems, the propulsion and auxiliary power units (APU) drive movement. Similar to the human circulatory system, fuel is pumped through the body of the aircraft like blood through the body. Fuel travels through fuel lines, and the system can be monitored by the pilot through the use of a fuel control valve. This valve sometimes functions as both a shut off and selector valve, that of which the pilot uses to choose which engine to fuel. In some aircraft, these functions belong to separate valves. The gascolator is the part of the fuel system that functions as a filter to ensure the fuel is pure and is not contaminated. This instrument should be manually opened and drained from the ground. The level of pressure and flow rate of fuel throughout aircraft is important as it relates directly to the craft’s ability to function.

Generators are incredibly versatile devices that convert motive power into electric power for an external circuit. As such, they find use in a variety of industries, supplying power to remote and urban construction sites. More than that, they are utilized to provide power in the event of a power outage. To better understand these helpful units, this blog will cover the array of components they consist of.

Actuated ball valves are a common fluid system component that can be used when automated control is required. Instead of relying on manual interaction for the valve to open and close, the actuated ball valve automatically operates through the use of an actuator and control signal. The force necessary for a change can be supplied through varying means, including the use of an electrically controlled motor, pneumatic device, or hydraulic device. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of the actuated ball valve and common types, allowing you to familiarize yourself with such components and their applications.

Aircraft tugs are specialized towing vehicles that are designed to move aircraft. As aircraft weigh hundreds of thousands of tons, aircraft towing vehicles are required to be incredibly durable machines. Due to the enhanced risks of using aircraft tugs, we will be covering the safety hazards associated with such equipment, alongside the best safety practices to follow to avoid injury or harm to any aircraft or personnel.

A generator is an electrical device that converts motive power into electrical power for use in an external circuit. Generators are especially important to have on hand in the case of a power outage, allowing businesses and households to carry on with business as usual. There are various types of generators, each varying in their capacity to provide extended periods of power. In this blog, we will be covering military-grade generators, their distinguishing characteristics, and advantages in the military and defense realm.

When performing routine maintenance procedures for a pump or gearbox, the most common issue one is faced with pertains to the system's lip seal. Often the root of a pump or gearbox issue after such parts have been rebuilt, a lip seal is a part that almost always has to be replaced during such procedures. Whether a lip seal has reached the end of its life and must be replaced, or it was damaged upon part disassembly, proper fitting seals for the right applications can mitigate the need for potential lip seal replacement. Used for the purpose of separating contaminants from an apparatus housing lubricants, lip seals come in a myriad of options to best suit the sealing properties of a particular application.

The fuel tanks and systems of light aircraft are often at risk of becoming contaminated with water and foreign substances during standard operations, presenting risks of damage and failure. With the implementation of a device known as a gascolator, water may be isolated and removed from the fuel system for its protection. As a combination filter and water trap device, the gascolator is implemented inline with the fuel supply at the lowest point of the system. As such, the device can then utilize a drain cock for expelling any water from fuel.