From screws to belts to gaskets, any given aircraft can contain hundreds of thousands of small parts. But if you’re looking to get a basic understanding of how these impressive vehicles are designed, it’s much easier to focus on the bigger parts that make up the plane. Whether you’re an airplane fanatic or an aspiring pilot, here are a few essential aircraft parts you should know and how they operate.

Important Aircraft Parts and What They Do

Engine

Often placed near the wings or tail of a plane, engines are used to generate the power that the craft needs to take off and make its way from Point A to Point B. Through a series of complicated mechanisms, these engines suck in air through a compressor. When the air is combined with fuel and an electric spark, powerful gases combust that help thrust the craft forward.  

Fuselage

The fuselage is the general term used to describe the main body of the airplane where passengers and crew sit. While designed to carry people and goods, the fuselage is also expertly designed to provide aerodynamic travel.

Wings

Found on both sides of the fuselage, wings are used to generate lift—or take the plane up—when the engine kicks into gear. Wings contain several adjustable panels—known as slats, spoilers, ailerons, and flaps—that help control the roll, drag, and lift of the craft.

Landing Gear

Positioned along the underside of a plane, landing gear consists of a series of extendable wheels that can be tucked away while the craft is in flight. These wheels are used to help deliver a smooth landing and takeoff experience. They also help keep the plane upright while it is parked.

Stabilizers

Located at the back of the plane, stabilizers—or empennage—are used to control the yaw and the pitch of the craft. Vertical stabilizers contain a small flap, known as a rudder, that changes the yaw direction. Horizontal stabilizers feature a similar flap, known as an elevator, that changes pitch direction.

Whether you’re a commercial airplane mechanic or the owner of a personal jet, finding the right parts for your needs doesn’t have to be a difficult experience. Instead, you can turn to the trusted team at AVMATS for a vast inventory of aircraft parts. Located in O’Fallon, MO, this supplier is stocked with high-quality products fit for all types of crafts—including Cessna and Gulfstream models. They are also qualified to provide repair and maintenance services to help keep your craft in the air with confidence. To learn more about their airplane accessories and services, visit this specialist online. For help placing an order or scheduling repairs, call (636) 812-3224.