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Aircraft inspection is quite possibly one of the most important tasks that you, as a certifying engineer, will perform.

The purpose of this training is to raise awareness regarding best practices and appropriate considerations when performing a range of maintenance inspections. The course considers best practice Inspection Techniques for Airframes, Engines & Structure as well as to consider the different forms of corrosion that are typically found. Fuel system microbiological contamination is also considered.

A Question for all EASA Part 145 Competence Managers - How many of the following can be answered correctly by your Aircraft Support Staff / Inspectors?

a) Who is Responsible for the Effective Cleaning of a Particular Zone prior to Inspection?

b) Related to Zonal Inspection Requirements, what are the Inspectors Responsibilities?

c) It is important for the Inspector to perform a pre-cleaning Initial Inspection because?

d) The Standard of Cleaning appropriate for a General Visual Inspection (GVI) is identified where?

e) What is the difference between a General Visual Inspection (GVI) & Visual Inspection (VI)?

f) Describe the conditions for a General Visual Inspection (GVI).

g) Regarding Lighting Requirements to Support General Visual Inspections what do you expect to be available?

h) What is the difference between a GVI & DVI Inspection? (Detailed Visual Inspection (DVI) sometimes called a Detailed Inspection (DET))

i) A stand-alone General Visual Inspection (GVI) could be described as... (provide your understanding)

j) What is the purpose of a Special Detailed Inspection (SDI)? What does it mean?

k) What do you sign for an Inspection Task Indicate?

l) How would you identify the role of the Inspector related to signing for specific tasks?

m) What is the difference between an error (Slip or Lapse) and a violation?

n) What are the implications of cutting corners?

o) The correct & diligent behaviour of the Organization Inspectors leads to the following organisational impact:

Introduction

Inspection in aviation is mainly visual, typically comprising 80% of all inspection activities. Visual Inspection forms a vital part of the many available Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) techniques where the inspector must visually assess an image of the area inspected.

Visual inspection is of the greatest importance to aviation reliability for airframes, power plants, and systems. Performed correctly, it can detect a variety of defects, from cracks and corrosion to loose fasteners, ill-fitting doors, wear or stretching in control cables, as well as damaged components.

The Maintenance process has come a long way over the last decades; however, the success of the entire process is dependent on the ability of the maintenance staff not just to perform inspections in the best way but to understand why they are performing inspections. The criteria by which the object is being measured! (It is this knowledge which makes the difference and makes you into an effective inspector.)

Next Steps

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