Airplane manufacturers produce a wide variety of aircraft, which can be any item that flies. In order to maintain safety, the Federal Aviation Association, more commonly called the FAA, regulates and oversees nearly every aspect of the process for the development of aircraft.
Whether you need information on aircraft manufacturers, plan to build an aircraft or want to purchase a plane, you need to understand aircraft manufacturer key terms. These terms can help reduce the list of manufacturers that might be able to help you fulfill your needs.
1. Determine the type of aircraft that would best fit your needs.
2. Decide whether an airplane manufacturer or a parts supplier would fulfill your needs better.
3. Understand the role the FAA plays in the industry and what you need to do to be in compliance with it.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Identify different types of planes produced in airplane manufacturing
Aircraft comes in all shapes and sizes and includes any object that can sustain flight, including hot air balloons and blimps. Aircraft manufacturers key terms indicate the type of aircraft produced.
I recommend: The
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association identifies the different types of aircraft and includes information on each type, such as the number of engines and FAA regulations pertaining to the aircraft.
Demand Media Aviation maintains a complete database of over 300 types of aircraft. Use the links to find more information on the types of planes in its database.
Understand the components and parts an aircraft manufacturer needs
Light aircraft manufacturers, commercial aircraft manufacturers and most other aircraft builders rely on specific components to build aircraft. These parts include wings, engines, fuel systems and avionic systems. Often the parts used to assemble the aircraft help determine the type of aircraft the manufacturer produces.
I recommend: Airplane Parts Definitions by NASA identifies and defines the different parts of the airplane and explains the specific function of each.
Dawson Aircraft specializes in aircraft parts and salvage.
Aviation Parts Supplies sells parts for several types of aircraft including Cessna planes.
Consider factors that affect an airplane manufacturer
Part of understanding airline manufacturers key terms is getting a grasp of the regulations that apply to the aircraft industry. Organizations like the FAA regulate the industry and must approve various stages of the production process including design. Aircraft manufacture rules and regulations are a key part of the industry's language.
I recommend: Visit the website for the
FAA to find out what requirements airplane manufacturers must meet for design approvals.
ASTECH Engineering breaks down the types of aircraft certification, including supplemental certifications, and identifies key aspects to the certification application process.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- To understand aircraft manufacturers key terms and the aviation process better, consider getting an education in aerospace technology or becoming a licensed pilot.
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