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Aircraft Inspection Levels

Aircraft are inspected on schedules that range from quick daily fluid checks to deep tear-downs. Each deeper check opens more parts and looks for hidden cracks, wear and leaks.

In the picture

  1. A hydraulic line on the landing gear strut: daily check for leaks and fluid level
  2. An open fuselage panel: internal ribs and frames exposed for inspection
  3. A handheld probe on the wing skin: ultrasonic check for hidden cracks
  4. A removed engine fan blade: check for wear, nicks and fatigue cracks

Examples

  • Checking a bicycle chain before every ride and stripping the bike down once a year.
  • A car oil check each month and a mechanic’s full service at 100,000 km.

Quiz: Aircraft Inspection Levels (Age 14)

  1. What happens to aircraft checks as the time between them gets longer?

    • They stay about the same.
    • They become more detailed.
    • They become less detailed.
  2. Why do deeper aircraft inspections open panels and remove parts?

    • To make hidden cracks and worn parts easier to find.
    • To reduce the number of future inspections.
    • To make each inspection quicker.
  3. Which inspection is an example of a quick daily check?

    • Checking a removed engine fan blade for fatigue cracks.
    • Checking a hydraulic line for leaks and fluid level.
    • Using an ultrasonic probe on the wing skin to find hidden cracks.

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.

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Technology, Age 14