#Vintage navy flying half wing pin how to
#Vintage navy flying half wing pin manual
#Vintage navy flying half wing pin series

So in the end, you are able to read your plans or assembly manual and identify, by number and letter, each piece of hardware on your airplane. A cross reference exists that compares these two numbers. Several pieces of hardware will have both an AN number and an MS number that are used interchangeably to identify the exact same piece. This system presents a relatively simple method of identifying and cataloging the thousands and thousands of pieces of hardware.

#Vintage navy flying half wing pin series

All fasteners are identified with a specification number and a series of letters and dashes identifying their size, type of material, etc. Together they present a universally accepted method of identification and standards for aircraft hardware. Later the standards were termed MS which means Military Standard and NAS which means National Aerospace Standards. As time went on these standards were consolidated and thus the term AN which means Air Force-Navy (some prefer the older term Army-Navy).

Each branch of the military originally had its own standard for hardware. That standard was actually developed prior to World War 11, but became more definitive during that war. If aircraft hardware is special, then there must be a standard against which it should be measured and manufactured. Save the other hardware for your tractor. So, use only aircraft quality hardwareВ on your airplane. The same comparison applies to most hardware items. In contrast, aircraft bolts are made from corrosion resistant steel and are heat treated to a strength in excess of 125,000 psi.

They also bend easily and have little corrosion protection. Common steel bolts purchased from a hardware store are made of low carbon steel that has a low tensile strength usually in the neighborhood of 50,000 to 60,000 psi. Commercial grade hardware found in hardware or automotive stores is legal to use on an experimental airplane but should not be considered for even a moment.В Why? Let's look at bolts as an example. To begin our discussion, it is absolutely imperative that you use nothing but aircraft grade hardware.

#Vintage navy flying half wing pin how to

I hope to eliminate some confusion over what type of hardware to use and how to properly install it. These questions will be answered in this series of articles on aircraft hardware. What does the custom aircraft builder really need to know about hardware? Where do you find the information? What reference is really the end authority on proper installation? What do all of those AN numbers mean and do I have to know them? What types of hardware should I really learn more about in order to build my own airplane? Thousands upon thousands of small items are used on a typical airplane. The subject of aircraft hardware can certainly be confusing. 'Aircraft hardware is the term used to describe the various types of fasteners and miscellaneous small items used in the manufacture and repair of aircraft.' The same book also provides us with a very good definition of aircraft hardware. 'The importance of aircraft hardware is often overlooked because of its small size however, the safe and efficient operation of any aircraft is greatly dependent upon the correct selection and use of aircraft hardware.' Very well stated. To quote the Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics General Handbook. Why take the time to build a perfect wing only to attach it to the fuselage with used hardware. But what about the materials that hold the airplane together the aircraft hardware? Do we try to cut expenses by using questionable bolts or used nuts? Is it really necessary to spend money on high quality aircraft hardware? Absolutely!В The hardware used to assemble your airplane should be nothing but the best. We want it to not only look attractive, but also to be safe. We all take the needed time and spend the necessary money to ensure we have a high quality airplane.

The quality of our workmanship in building an airplane is very important.