https://simpleflying.com The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:00:26 GMT en-US hourly 60 Testing is an essential part of aircraft engine development. Jet engines are put through a comprehensive testing program right after they are built. Functional testing of a completed engine occurs in three stages: static tests (while the engine is not running), stationary operating tests, and flight tests. All engine systems, including hydraulic, electrical, and cooling, are checked during these tests.

]]> Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/how-are-jet-engine-noise-levels-tested/ The use of private jets for those who can afford one is not only convenient but also time-effective. Large business owners and executives of multi-million dollar companies often travel via private jets. Top US companies spent nearly $34 million on business jet travel for CEOs and executives in 2021. With the ever-increasing demand and use of private jets, most engine manufacturers offer specialized engines for such jets.

]]> Mon, 24 Jul 2023 14:31:30 GMT https://simpleflying.com/private-jets-with-powerful-engines/ Jet engines work by compressing the incoming air through a series of compressors and combining it with atomized fuel in the combustion chamber. The fuel-air mixture is ignited, expanded, and released through the exhaust to produce thrust. Another, larger stream of air merely passes through the bypass stream without being compressed or ignited.

]]> Sat, 22 Jul 2023 16:30:22 GMT https://simpleflying.com/how-air-is-routed-through-jet-engines/ The aviation industry has witnessed outstanding innovations over the years, introducing groundbreaking aeronautical technology in each era. The jet engine is one of the most important breakthroughs in aviation history, as it revolutionized how people fly. Whenever flying longer distances, the aircraft you board today will most likely be powered by this technology.

]]> Sat, 15 Jul 2023 10:01:18 GMT https://simpleflying.com/jet-engine-aviation/ Climate change has been a topic of significant interest in aviation. From OEMs to aircraft operators and material suppliers, all processes and products are optimized to minimize carbon footprint. Major contributors to aircraft performance are rising temperatures, fluctuating wind shear, and increased turbulence.

]]> Mon, 19 Jun 2023 02:30:21 GMT https://simpleflying.com/does-climate-change-impact-aircraft-engine-efficiency/ The performance of jet engines is measured through the amount of thrust it produces per unit of fuel. In other words, a jet engine is typically advertised to the market by its fuel efficiency. The amount of thrust is directly proportional to the pressure ratio of the air entering the engine to the air exiting the engine. As a result of the manufacturers’ race to develop ultra-fuel-efficient engines, they must run hotter than ever to produce increasing levels of thrust.

]]> Fri, 28 Apr 2023 07:00:18 GMT https://simpleflying.com/increasing-temperature-requirements-impact-on-engines/ The engines are the most complex and expensive equipment on an aircraft. They need to be controlled and looked after to ensure optimal performance with minimal costs.

]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2023 22:00:23 GMT https://simpleflying.com/pilots-engine-control-indications-guide/ The durability enhancement package implemented on Trent 7000 engines is expected to deliver improved time-on-wing. Rolls-Royce and Airbus anticipate Airbus A330neo customers to get much superior value compared to that of predecessor aircraft.

]]> Tue, 11 Apr 2023 10:00:17 GMT https://simpleflying.com/how-rolls-royce-increases-trent-7000-time-on-wing/ General Electric GE90 engine powers the Boeing 777 aircraft family, including five passenger models (-200, -200ER, -200LR, -300, -300ER) and a freighter version (777F). The mightier GE9X powers Boeing’s brand-new 777 line, the 777X (yet to begin commercial service). Boeing's 777 and 777X are twinjet widebody airliners with a passenger capacity of 312 - 440 and a range that extends to over 7,000 NM (13,000 km).

]]> Wed, 05 Apr 2023 10:30:16 GMT https://simpleflying.com/general-electric-boeing-777-engine-power-comparison/ With the ever-increasing interest in minimizing our carbon footprint in aviation, companies, big and small, are keen to develop electric aircraft. Aircraft manufacturers aim to offer a sustainable mode of future transportation for passengers and cargo with zero carbon emissions.

]]> Wed, 05 Apr 2023 01:00:17 GMT https://simpleflying.com/how-to-improve-electrical-aircraft-range/ Thanks to additive manufacturing techniques, General Electric combined more than 300 engine parts into only seven on the GE9X engine. Additive manufacturing techniques use Computer Aided Design (CAD) software or three-dimensional object scanners to direct machines to deposit specialized material, layer upon layer, in precise geometric shapes.

]]> Mon, 03 Apr 2023 10:30:16 GMT https://simpleflying.com/general-electric-additive-manufacturing-benefits/ Jet engines are expensive machines because of the use of novel materials, precise machining, and technologically-advanced systems. A well-researched and robust engine design is essential to withstand extreme forces and temperatures while producing sufficient thrust for flight. Commercial jet engines can cost between $5 million and $50 million, depending on the size and mission requirements.

]]> Wed, 29 Mar 2023 01:00:16 GMT https://simpleflying.com/major-engine-parts-cost-guide/ An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is a small turbine engine installed at the rear of the fuselage. The APU is similar (in function) to the main engine, but the exhaust is vented overboard rather than creating thrust to propel the aircraft forward. All large commercial aircraft have an APU onboard to provide electric power for aircraft systems and bleed air to start the main engines.

]]> Tue, 28 Mar 2023 07:30:16 GMT https://simpleflying.com/apu-types-comparison/ Gas turbine engines work on compression, combustion, and expansion principles. The incoming air is compressed, which increases its pressure and temperature. Pressurized air is mixed with fuel and ignited in the combustion chamber. Hot gasses in the combustor expand and transfer energy to the turbines. The high-velocity exhaust generates thrust and propels the aircraft forward.

]]> Wed, 08 Mar 2023 08:01:17 GMT https://simpleflying.com/engine-cycles-parameters-definitions-guide/ Like any high-speed machine, jet engine temperatures significantly increase during operation. Jet engines are composed of thousands of parts manufactured with specialized materials. A typical Boeing 747 engine (a General Electric CF6-80C2) comprises upwards of 40,000 parts. Critical parts are manufactured with unique metals and alloys to withstand extreme temperatures.

]]> Thu, 02 Mar 2023 11:31:16 GMT https://simpleflying.com/how-hot-do-aircraft-engines-get/ With the decline in demand for quad-jets, efficient twin-engine aircraft continue to lead the widebody market. While two engines produce sufficient power to perform a safe flight, the aircraft must be able to operate safely if one engine goes inoperative. That means each engine (when intact) must be able to produce plenty of power during critical phases of flight.

]]> Wed, 01 Mar 2023 23:01:17 GMT https://simpleflying.com/engine-performance-parameters-for-etops-certification/ Aircraft engines are complex machines that require excellent care and routine maintenance to ensure safe operation during flight. The on-condition maintenance of jet engines is triggered when performance anomalies are identified in the engine.

]]> Wed, 01 Mar 2023 05:00:17 GMT https://simpleflying.com/engine-trend-monitoring-explanation/ Takeoff is recognized as one of the most critical phases of flight due to the various worst-case scenarios involved in the takeoff performance parameter. A routine takeoff may be much simpler and can be estimated using analytical models.

]]> Sat, 31 Dec 2022 18:25:16 GMT https://simpleflying.com/takeoff-most-crucial-part-flight/ To answer what seems to be a relatively simple question, it is essential to understand the factors that define the life of an airliner and a jet engine. Airliners and jet engines are complex machines whose lifespan is difficult to determine in absolute flight cycles, flight hours, or operational years. Like any other machine, the manufacturers build them with a specific design limit. However, the actual lifespan depends on usage, operating conditions, and maintenance. Before getting into the specifics, here is a brief look into the lifespan of airliners and engines.

]]> Fri, 02 Dec 2022 22:30:16 GMT https://simpleflying.com/how-many-engines-do-airliners-go-through/ The oil routing subsystem within jet engines aims to deliver high-pressure clean oil to engine bearings and gears for lubrication and cooling internal components. The efficiency of the accessory drive system depends on the reliability of the oil distribution and scavenge system.

]]> Sun, 20 Nov 2022 02:30:15 GMT https://simpleflying.com/engine-oil-subsystems-routing-guide/ Jet engines are complex machines that require novel materials and immaculate machining. A well-researched and robust engine design is essential to power aircraft that lift passengers and cargo off the ground and fly long distances.

]]> Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:30:15 GMT https://simpleflying.com/how-much-do-jet-engines-cost/ The fuel routing subsystem within jet engines aims to deliver high-pressure, high-temperature clean fuel for combustion. The engine’s fuel efficiency depends on the optimal pressure and temperature of fuel entering the combustor.

]]> Mon, 14 Nov 2022 21:31:16 GMT https://simpleflying.com/how-jet-fuel-is-routed-within-aircraft-engines/ Turbofan engines work on the principals of compression, combustion, and expansion. The incoming air passes through a series of compressor stages (blades and vanes), where the air is compressed. As the air velocity decreases, the pressure and temperature of the air increases.

]]> Thu, 03 Nov 2022 13:31:15 GMT https://simpleflying.com/aircraft-engine-performance-measurement-guide/ In a conventional two-spool turbofan engine, a low-pressure shaft connects the fan, the low-pressure compressor, and the low-pressure turbine. A second (high-pressure) shaft connects the high-pressure compressor and the high-pressure turbine. The two shafts run concentrically at different speeds while increasing the overall efficiency of the engine.

]]> Wed, 02 Nov 2022 02:00:15 GMT https://simpleflying.com/why-modern-engines-have-large-fans/ Aircraft engines are complex machines that require immaculate maintenance, repair, and overhaul at various intervals throughout their lifetime. Aircraft engines are subject to extreme wear due to vibrations caused by rotating components. Moreover, constant exposure to varying climates results in physical and material stresses on the engine.

]]> Tue, 25 Oct 2022 12:30:14 GMT https://simpleflying.com/how-are-airliner-engines-overhauled/ Have you ever wondered what kind of fuel powers the aircraft you fly in? Just as with vehicles, aircraft can also use a variety of different fuels. Two of those are the most common: Avgas – used for piston-engine aircraft, and Jet A1 (as you may see on tankers at airports) for jet engines. This article explores the difference.

]]> Mon, 10 Oct 2022 12:30:14 GMT https://simpleflying.com/avgas-vs-jet-a1/ Aircraft noise has been one of the biggest concerns for airlines, airport authorities, and people residing near airports since the beginning of the jet age.

]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2022 21:01:14 GMT https://simpleflying.com/aircraft-noise-sources-reduction-measures/ How fast does a jet aircraft travel? Most jetliners cruise in the range of 800 to 900 km/hr (500 - 560 mph). While this is a good estimate, when we think of it from a performance point of view it only helps a little.

]]> Sun, 11 Sep 2022 17:30:14 GMT https://simpleflying.com/jetliner-cruise-speed-operational-factors-guide/ A jet engine is a combustion engine and due to this reason, it generates heat. And to ensure that it works correctly the heating must be controlled. Like any other engine, in a jet engine to cool and lubricate the moving parts oil is used.

]]> Tue, 23 Aug 2022 17:30:14 GMT https://simpleflying.com/how-jet-engines-avoid-overheating/ When manufacturing juggernauts like Boeing or Airbus usually launch a new aircraft type, the headline figure is almost always how fuel efficient the new plane is compared to its predecessor. More often than not, nearly all of the fuel savings can be traced back to improvements in the engines. But how exactly do turbofan engines work?

]]> Wed, 10 Aug 2022 21:30:14 GMT https://simpleflying.com/how-do-turbofan-engines-work/ The start of a jet engine involves a set of steps that are required to be performed in an orderly manner to ensure that the engine does not suffer from a major failure. Jet engines are very expensive and thus, they need to be well taken care of. A simple mistake could very well write off an engine.

]]> Wed, 20 Jul 2022 16:31:14 GMT https://simpleflying.com/how-do-jet-engine-startup-procedures-work/ When it comes to aircraft engines, there are two choices -  a turboprop or a jet. What exactly is the difference, and which is the better engine choice for aircraft? Let's examine.

]]> Tue, 13 Oct 2020 04:30:13 GMT https://simpleflying.com/turbo-prop-vs-jet-engine/