Aircraft Visual Inspection: A Comprehensive Guide

How do you perform an aircraft visual inspection?

A visual inspection involves examining the aircraft to detect signs of wear, damage, or irregularities. Here are the steps:

1. Preparation:
   • Review maintenance manuals, task cards, jobcards, Service Bulletins, Airworthiness Directives and inspection checklists.

   • Ensure the aircraft is in a suitable environment with adequate lighting and that access is available for all areas requiring inspection. Access level will depend on the type of inspection to be carried out.

      

2. Visual Inspection Accomplishment:

   • Inspect external components, such as the fuselage, wings, landing gear, and control surfaces, for cracks, corrosion, or deformation.
   • Examine internal components, including wiring, hydraulic systems, and structural elements, for wear or damage.
   • All the parts, components, systems and zones listed in the documentation is to be meticulously inspected.

    

3. Documentation: The job is not ready until documentation is up-to-date.

   • Record findings using inspection forms or digital systems.
   • Raise Techlog Entries or non-routine cards.
   • Highlight areas requiring further NDT inspection, damage evaluation and/or repair.

    

4. Follow-Up:
   • Address any issues identified and verify corrective actions.
   • Make sure evaluations and subsequent rectification is carried out in accordance with the approved maintenance data.
   • Schedule subsequent inspections as per maintenance protocols.

What Are the Visual Inspection Tools for Aircraft?

Several tools assist in enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of visual inspections:

• Flashlights: High-intensity lighting for better visibility in low-light conditions.
• Magnifying Glasses: For detailed inspection of small components.
• Borescopes: Allow internal examination of engines and confined spaces.
• Inspection Mirrors: Help view hard-to-reach areas.
• UV Lights: Used to detect leaks and cracks with fluorescent dyes.
• Access Platforms: Cherry Pickers and/or Scissor Lifts: To help gain the required proximity to the areas needing visual inspection.

• Approved Cameras and Drones: Aid in documenting and inspecting large or inaccessible aircraft sections and help in saving time and perform visual inspections more economically and efficiently.

   

What is required for Visual Inspection ?

To conduct a thorough visual inspection, the following are essential:

• Qualified Personnel: Trained and certified inspectors.

   

• Inspection Checklists: Detailed documentation outlining areas, criteria including typical defects and damages sought during the inspection.

   

• Proper Environment: Sufficient lighting, clean surfaces, and minimal environmental distractions.

   

• Specialized Tools: Tools as listed above, to ensure comprehensive assessment.

What is the procedure for Aircraft Inspection ?

Aircraft inspections follow a structures process:

1. Pre-Inspection Planning:
   • Determine inspection type (e.g., routine, detailed, or special inspection).

   • Gather relevant manuals and tools, such as those outlined in the Maintenance Organisation Exposition (MOE), which emphasizes adhering to a maintenance program tailored to the aircraft's operational needs.

      

2. Inspection Execution:
   • Conduct external and internal examinations.

   • Use tools to assess hard-to-see areas and detect hidden defects.

      

3. Reporting and Analysis:
   • Document findings.

   • Evaluate results to decide on necessary maintenance actions.

      

4. Post-Inspection Activities;
   • Implement repairs or replacements.
   • Conduct final checks and certify airworthiness based on your EASA Part-66 and internal authorisation privileges.

What is the difference between visual testing and visual inspection?

• Visual Testing(VT) / Special Detailed Inspection / NDT:

  A non-destructive testing (NDT) method that relies on direct observation to evaluate surface conditions. VT may include aids like magnifiers and mirrors but often integrates with other NDT techniques.

   

• Visual Inspection (VI):

  A broader term encompassing all visual examinations of the aircraft. VI may or may not include additional testing techniques, focusing on identifying visible damage or anomalies.

What are the main Aircraft Visual Inspection types ?

Aircraft visual inspection is a critical process within aviation maintenance, aimed at ensuring the aircraft’s structural integrity and operational safety. These inspections can be categorized into:

• Visual Check: An observation to determine that an item is fulfilling its intended purpose. Does not require quantative tolerances. This is a failure finding task.
• General Visual Inspection (GVI): A cursory/visual examination to detect obvious damage or defects which is to be performed at an arms' length/ withing touching distance.
• Detailed Visual Inspection (DVI): A more in-depth evaluation requiring closer proximity and, often, specialized tools.

What is DET (Detailed Inspection) ?

Detailed Inspection (DET) refers to a close examination of a specific area or component of the aircraft. It requires sufficient access to thoroughly inspect for defects or damage that may not be visible during a GVI or DVI. DET typically involves disassembly or cleaning to expose surfaces, enabling the inspector to detect fine cracks, corrosion, or hidden structural issues. This level of inspection is often dictated by the maintenance program outlined in documents like the Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR) or the Maintenance Planning Document (MPD), ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.

What is the difference between GVI, DVI and DET ?

• General Visual Inspection (GVI):
  • Scope: Broad, without disassembly.
  • Tools: Limited to flashing lights or mirrors.

  • Objective: Identify visible defects that do not require intricate analysis.

     

• Detailed Visual Inspection (DVI):
  • Scope: Narrow, requiring disassembly or closer access.
  • Tools: Advanced equipment like magnifiers and borescopes.

  • Objective: Detect subtle or concealed damage with greater precision.

     

• Detailed Inspection (DET):

  Since the introduction of EWIS requirements, the term Detailed Visual Inspection is not being used anymore as aircraft maintenance programs are requiring Detailed Inspection in lieu of Detailed Visual Inspection. This was done to ensure a common understanding that in a Detailed Inspection the inspector needs to use more that his vision. As a matter of fact a Detailed Inspection in the modern context include a tactile assessment for loose and incorrect installation of components in an area being inspected.

   

Aviathrust's Aircraft Inspection Course and Training program:

Aircraft visual inspection is a vital practice for maintaining airworthiness and safety. However, the success of these inspections heavily depends on the expertise and training of the inspectors. Proper training equips professionals with the knowledge to utilize tools effectively, interpret findings accurately, and make informed decisions to uphold safety standards.

For those aspiring to excel in this critical field, Aviathrust offers the Aircraft Inspection Methods and Techniques training course. This comprehensive program provides expert guidance, and industry-relevant knowledge, ensuring inspectors are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern aviation maintenance.

Invest in your career and enhance aviation safety by enrolling in Aviathrust's training program today. Don’t miss the opportunity to become a highly skilled and valued aircraft inspector!