Broadline Fasteners Blog

Aerospace manufacturing and fleet upkeep depend on adherence to an uncompromising standard of structural integrity, where purchasing professionals, maintenance personnel, and others across the industry must come together to ensure that only the most reliable, airworthy parts enter operations. As of the present, a typical commercial airliner from Boeing or Airbus will contain millions of individual fasteners, which collectively hold and secure everything the airframe and its connected structures to the array of internal assemblies, systems, and assets across the vessel. Unlike more conventional, industrial-leaning options that are respectable in their own right, the hardware that serves aerospace applications is engineered to a much higher standard to withstand the extreme stressors that are typical of flight.

Blind rivets are ingenious solutions for fastening structures along a section that is hard or impossible to access. Made up of a hollow body and an internal mandrel, their installation requires a specialized rivet gun to pull the mandrel through a premade hole. As it does so, the body expands and creates a secure clamp on the blind side of the base material, with the mandrel breaking off cleanly once a predetermined tension is reached.

The Boeing 737NG remains a staple in commercial aviation, with thousands still in service decades after its initial release. As these aircraft continue to age, many operators are turning to Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) components as a cost-effective way to maintain safety and performance across various critical systems. This blog will delve into how operators can effectively browse, evaluate, and source PMA parts listings tailored to 737NG maintenance needs, so read on to learn more.

What Are PMA Parts and How Are They Approved?

PMA parts are FAA-approved alternatives to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components, meaning they are produced under rigorous quality control systems and backed by supporting technical data, testing, or comparative analysis. The FAA’s policy is to only grant production approval once it verifies that a PMA part meets or exceeds the performance and safety standards of the original design. As such, PMA parts can be used in place of OEM components, as long as the installation complies with all relevant regulatory documentation and guidelines.

Preserving the integrity and performance of flight control systems is a critical practice for aircraft operations. Among the many components that contribute to upholding optimal flight characteristics, trim tabs and flap actuators have a significant impact on handling and stability, making their maintenance essential. In this blog, we will delve into common issues that may arise with these components and some routine maintenance practices that should be followed, so read on to explore how the meticulous upkeep of trim tabs and flap actuators supports safe and efficient flight.

Rivets are a common form of fastener that find use in various industries, including construction, automotive, and aerospace, to join materials together securely. These mechanical fasteners are known for their durability and ability to permanently hold materials in place without requiring welding or adhesives, which makes them quite beneficial for a number of assemblies. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of what rivets are and how they work to provide valuable insights into their applications and benefits.

Jet engines are marvels of modern engineering, propelling aircraft through the skies with power, efficiency, and reliability. These sophisticated machines have revolutionized travel, making it possible to cover vast distances in hours. In this blog, we will explore the inner workings of jet engines, focusing on key components like the combustion chamber, turbine, compressor, and turbofan.