Inspection — A Vital Necessity

MODERN aircraft inspection methods are a combination of practices evolved over the years combined with advanced technology introduced as new materials and processes are developed. Particular attention is directed to the detection of corrosion with considerable emphasis in the case of so‐called geriatric aircraft. The potential flaws being searched for may be of a different type from the fatigue or other signs occurring generally. In addition, large areas of structure for these older aircraft must be inspected rapidly to ensure the maintenance of safety standards. Visual methods play an important part in these procedures but where these are insufficient, some form of non‐destructive testing (NDT) technique becomes necessary.