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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.
Formation Flight Resources
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
UAS Resources
Geometry and 3D Modeling
