DStuntz From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 42 posts, RR: 0 Posted (8 years 7 months 3 weeks 3 days 7 hours ago) and read 1473 times:
I have noticed that, unlike with the Boeing 707s, 727s, and DC-10s that American Airlines used to fly, the tails and engine pods of AA's Boeing 757s, 767s, and 777s are mostly light gray, instead of having a shiny silver appearance. In fact, I don't think that I have ever seen a 757, 767, or 777 of ANY airline with silver-looking engine pods like I have with DC-10's and L-1011's, etc. I am curious as to why that is. If you have any idea, I would greatly appreciate a reply. Thanks.
AirframeAS From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 14150 posts, RR: 26 Reply 1, posted (8 years 7 months 3 weeks 3 days 7 hours ago) and read 1463 times:
They are made of composite fiberglass materials in the tails and nacelles. Ive never seen a commercial airliner that had aluminum alloy tails, but I have seen 732s have metal nacelles. I think the composite tails are more sturdy and weigh less...maybe its a weight and balance issue. I will find that out in my next A&P class next semester.
A Safe Flight Begins With Quality Maintenance On The Ground.
JetMechMD80 From United States of America, joined Jul 2004, 380 posts, RR: 8 Reply 2, posted (8 years 7 months 3 weeks 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 1426 times:
The "Tails" you speak of are the Thrust Reversers. On older engines with clamshell type reversers, they are normaly stainless steel and titanium, as the exhaust gas's can be over 700 degrees. On most newer high by-pass engines RB-211, CFM, GE's, it is not the hot turbine air which is deflected, but the cooler by-pass air from the fan. The painted areas are the "translating cowl" which moves back and allows air deflected by the reversers to escape. Since this is cool by-pass air, there is no need for stainless, or titanium construction. They are made out of composite material, and are painted.
AirframeAS From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 14150 posts, RR: 26 Reply 3, posted (8 years 7 months 3 weeks 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 1419 times:
Oh! Hes asking about TRs....I didnt know that...sorry. Heh!
A Safe Flight Begins With Quality Maintenance On The Ground.
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From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 42 posts, 
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