Study Materials
Explorers are encouraged to use these study materials as starting points for self-guided learning of concepts that interest them. These study materials are not comprehensive, and focus on providing introductory resources related to topics covered during meetings.
Wind Tunnel Resources
- Learn more about our Wind Tunnel, built by Eagle Scout Gabrielle He.
- Strain Gauges are used to measure strain on an object. In wind tunnels, they are used to detect aerodynamic forces acting on objects.
Surveying and Navigation
Electricity and Electronics
- Jacob's Ladder
- DC Motors
- Squirrel Cage vs Wound Rotor Motors
- Rotors are the moving components of electromagnetic motors.
- Stators are the non-rotating components of electromagnetic motors.
- Commutators are switches in electrical motors that periodically reverse the current direction to produce torque (rotating force).
Aerodynamics and Aeronautical Engineering
- Zap! Extra Complete Paper Plane Challenge kit and included book can be found on Amazon or at Hobby Lobby
- Magnetic Balancer
- Basics of Balancing 101 by Balance Technology Institute
- Methods of Correcting Balance by WBD Group
- Components of an aircraft engine and propulsion systems
- Ignition and spark plugs
- Air intake and exhaust (exhaust appears more discolored from heat and combustion byproducts)
- Varying quantities of propellers (1, 2, 3, 4)
- Components of aircraft control surfaces, including wings and empennage
- Cables
- Rudder trim tab
- Pitot Tubes and Venturi Meters both employ the Venturi effect to measure pressure.
- This assembly drawing is for this plane.
Materials and Chemistry
- Thermal Spraying can be used to evenly reapply material to a worn/damaged surface to repair it. For example, a damaged propeller blade could be repaired by thermal spraying to restore the aerodynamic surface and balanced distribution of material throughout the blade structure.
Airports
- Airport beacons use alternating colored lights to distinguish Civillian Land Airports, Water Airports, Heliports, and Military Airports. This article provides additional information about airport beacon specifications.
Airline Career Resources
- Alaska Airlines Pre-Class Training
- Alaska Airlines Pilot Training with Private Pilot License
- Alaska Airlines Pilot Training without Private Pilot License
- Alaska Airlines Aircraft Mechanic Training
- American Airlines Pilot Training (WARNING you have to pay $100,000)
- Delta Airlines Pilot Training
- Delta Airlines Aircraft Mechanics Training
- JetBlue Airlines Pilot Training (WARNING you have to pay $110,000)
- Southwest Airlines Pilot Training
- United Airlines Career Training
Aviation School Resources
FAA Resources
- FAA - Careers
- FAA - Aviation Handbooks & Manuals (return here periodically to download latest handbooks, as many are updated on a regular schedule every few months or years).
- FAA - Airman Certification Standards (pilot licensing)
- FAA - Aircraft Registration and Airworthiness Certification