Aircraft Structural Inspection Techniques Flashcards

A black, smudged streak trailing from a rivet head on the skin (a 'smoking rivet') indicates:

Answer: A loose rivet that is moving and fretting

Black oxide residue streaming from a rivet shows it is working loose in its hole.

Under AC 43.13-1B, a dent in a steel tube that is acceptable without repair generally must be:

Answer: Less than 1/10 of the tube diameter, free of cracks, and not in a weld area

Dents deeper than 1/10 the tube diameter, cracked, or at welds require repair.

Ultrasonic inspection finds discontinuities by:

Answer: Reflecting high-frequency sound waves from flaws

Sound waves travel through the material and reflect from interfaces and flaws, which show on the display.

Blistered or bubbled paint along a lap joint most likely signals:

Answer: Corrosion forming beneath the finish

Expanding corrosion products push up the paint, so blisters at seams warrant removal of the finish and investigation.

Which NDI method is commonly used to find trapped water in honeycomb sandwich panels?

Answer: Radiography

X-ray radiography shows fluid in honeycomb cells and hidden internal damage.

A coin-tap test is primarily used to detect:

Answer: Delamination or disbonds in bonded or composite structure

A change from a sharp ring to a dull thud indicates a delamination or disbond.

Following a major repair to an airframe made using FAA-approved data, the record requirement is:

Answer: FAA Form 337 plus a maintenance record entry

Major repairs require Form 337 and an entry in the maintenance records under Part 43.