Why is aluminum so common in aeronautical engineering?

There are many benefits for the use of aluminum in constructing airplanes. The lightweight and resistance of the material make it an ideal metal. Steel is also resistant to rust and wear, but the weight of the metal makes it an unlikely choice, as it becomes harder to maintain a constant level of flying if you are fighting weight.

During WWII, aluminum was more widely used, and there were many scrap metal drives to collect and donate to the military. Children were often the ones collecting the metal to turn in. Aluminum weighs about a third of what steel does, making it an excellent choice when it comes to creating lighter aircraft. However, it is also strong enough to withstand constant use, and it is a better cost-effective option while remaining reliable.

Aluminum is not corrosive and can withstand many chemicals, which makes it an excellent choice when it comes to aircraft maintenance. From home to use military grade usage, Aluminum is resilient and versatile.