164 Questions
Where are the intervals required for Air Force aerospace vehicle inspections prescribed?
Mission Design Series (MDS) specific -6 TO maintenance manuals
What is the purpose of accomplishing inspection requirements concurrently?
To avoid complications in scheduling and controlling the required maintenance
What type of inspections can be increased in frequency or scope by the GP/CC?
Scheduled inspections or individual inspection requirements
Who needs to approve deviations of periodic, phase, or isochronal inspections beyond what is authorized in aerospace vehicle specific technical manuals?
The SM in coordination with the owning MAJCOM
What is the purpose of establishing necessary controls by the GP/CC?
To ensure that inspections are accomplished at or near the scheduled due time
What are the five inspection concepts mentioned in the text?
Periodic, phase, isochronal, PDM, and aerospace vehicle manufacturer maintenance
What happens to Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) that is not in an installed status?
It is exempt from the inspection requirements
What is the maximum duration of the specified flying period?
72 hours
What is the purpose of the Pre-Flight Inspection (PR)?
To visually examine the aerospace vehicle and operationally check certain systems and components
When is a new Pre-Flight Inspection (PR) required?
Prior to the first flight of the flying period, or when the PR validity period has expired
What is the purpose of the End-of-Runway Inspection (EOR)?
To detect critical defects developed during ground operation
Under what conditions is an End-of-Runway Inspection (EOR) not required?
When the aircraft is launched from alert status
What is the Thru-Flight Inspection (TH)?
A between-flights inspection
When is a Thru-Flight Inspection (TH) not required?
When the aircraft is hot-pitted and immediately accomplishes a turnaround or continuation sortie
What is the role of the SM in relation to the End-of-Runway Inspection (EOR)?
To list minimum inspection requirements in the applicable -6 TO
What happens when an aerospace vehicle is mobilizing for contingency operations?
The aircraft is prepared in accordance with established TOs
Who must approve scheduling deviations that affect PDM or aerospace vehicle manufacturer maintenance?
The Single Manager (SM), Lead Command, and owning MAJCOM
What determines when new inspection requirements are implemented for aerospace vehicles, systems, and components?
The age or accrued time of the aerospace vehicle
What is the purpose of the recurring maintenance cycle?
To bundle/align recurring maintenance requirements to the maintenance cycle
What type of inspection concept is used for pre-flight, basic post-flight, and thru-flight inspections?
Periodic Concept
What is the purpose of contingency decks during increased readiness conditions?
To ensure that all safety-critical items are inspected
What happens when an inspection interval is exceeded?
The appropriate Red symbol is used to indicate the exception
What is used to analyze data and make changes to inspection intervals or requirements?
Both Maintenance Information System (MIS) and Reliability Centered Maintenance Analysis (RCMA)
What type of inspection is scheduled at equal intervals throughout the total inspection cycle?
All of the above
What is the purpose of the Single Manager (SM) in the inspection process?
To approve scheduling deviations and make changes to inspection intervals
Where are inspection requirements for components not installed found?
Commodity and equipment manuals
What is the primary purpose of the ISO concept?
To translate flying hour utilization rates into calendar periods
Who determines necessary adjustments to the inspection interval in the event of changes to programmed flying hours?
The SM and Lead Command
What is the time frame for the ISO concept?
From the completion of the post-dock to the start of the next ISO
Under what circumstances can MAJCOMs approve deviations to schedules?
When the aircraft is removed from service for extended periods
What information must be provided when requesting an ISO deviation?
All of the above and more
Which of the following do not accrue -6 inspection days?
Aerospace vehicles in Purpose Identifier Code DJ
What is the purpose of the MIN inspection?
To check certain components or systems of the aerospace vehicle
What determines the due date of a MAJ inspection?
The number of calendar days established in the MDS specific -6 TO
What is the interval between Minor ISO inspections?
Semi-monthly, monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly
What is the purpose of the MAJ inspection?
To perform a thorough inspection of the entire aerospace vehicle
What is the primary consideration for scheduling a Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) inspection?
Economic feasibility of field-level tasks
What happens when an aerospace vehicle exceeds its PDM cycle by 90 days?
The Red Dash is upgraded to a Red X unless the PM grants an extension
What is the purpose of the 30-day no-fly calendar inspection?
To perform a BPO before returning to operational status
What is the consideration for accruing inspection days while an aerospace vehicle is in DJ status?
MDS specific -6 TO requirements
What type of inspections are usually performed at a Depot facility?
Major inspections (C/D checks)
What is the consequence of not requesting an HSC deviation unless the deviation exceeds the overfly authorized by the MDS specific -6 TO?
Units will not be able to schedule an HSC inspection
What is the purpose of the 90-day no-fly calendar inspection?
To ensure aerospace vehicles are airworthy after 90 days of no flight
What is the consideration for scheduling a letter check inspection?
Maintenance and engineering requirements
What is the consequence of an aerospace vehicle exceeding the PDM cycle?
A Red Dash is annotated on the prescribed forms
What is the purpose of annotating a Red Dash on the prescribed forms?
To indicate the aerospace vehicle exceeds the PDM cycle
What is the primary purpose of the Through Flight (TH) inspection?
To ensure no defects exist that would be detrimental to further flight
Which inspection is authorized by MDS specific -6 TOs and is an abbreviated thru-flight inspection?
Quick Turn Inspection
What is the main difference between the Basic Post-Flight Inspection and the Through Flight Inspection?
The BPO is more thorough than the TH inspection
What is the purpose of the Combined Pre-Flight/Basic Post-Flight Inspection?
To consolidate the requirements of the PR and BPO inspections into a single inspection
How often is the Hourly Post-Flight Inspection accomplished?
At equally spaced intervals as specified in the applicable MDS specific -6 TO
What is the primary objective of the Phase Inspection concept?
To minimize the length of time that an aerospace vehicle is out-of-commission for any given scheduled inspection
What is the main difference between the Periodic Inspection and the Phase Inspection?
The Periodic Inspection is more extensive in scope than the Phase Inspection
When can Phase Inspections be accomplished in advance?
When the aerospace vehicle is required for extended missions
What is the purpose of the Isochronal Inspection?
The purpose of the Isochronal Inspection is not specified in the text
Which inspection is due upon accrual of the number of flying hours, operating hours, or at the expiration of a calendar period?
Periodic Inspection
When do Local Activities need GP/CC approval to transfer inspection requirements?
When the arrangement of published workcards is not entirely compatible with the technician manning or scheduled sequence preferred
What do AFTO Form 26 forms permit?
Local preparation of replacement workcards for those that become unserviceable
Under what condition may QA line out non-applicable requirements and enter “NA” in the margin?
When inspection requirements pertain to systems or components that are not installed on locally maintained equipment
What is the purpose of AFTO Form 26?
To permit the local preparation of replacement workcards for those that become unserviceable
Who authorizes Quality Assurance (QA) to line out non-applicable requirements and enter “NA” in the margin?
GP/CC
What do Local Activities use to prepare additional workcards for special installed equipment and covered by the published card set?
AFTO Form 26
What is the purpose of an Acceptance Inspection?
To ensure the equipment is in a serviceable condition prior to being placed in service
What is the scope of an Acceptance Inspection for newly assigned or organic/contract depot Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE)?
A Preparation for Use, a Service Inspection (SI), and an Operational Check
When is an Acceptance Inspection required to be performed?
Within 30 days of equipment receipt
What is the purpose of a One-Time Inspection (OTI)?
To verify the existence of a suspected equipment condition or malfunction
What is documented in the Joint Deficiency Reporting System (JDRS)?
The Acceptance Inspection Deficiency Report (AIDR)
Who is responsible for developing and issuing Local OTIs?
Unit and MAJCOM
What happens to similar systems or units if an unsafe condition or material failure is discovered?
They are restricted from further flight or use
What is the unique prefix for MAJCOM OTIs?
The second character of their command sequence code
What is the format of the data code for a Local OTI?
L, unit designation, year issued, and a sequence number
What happens to TCTO Master records in REMIS that represent a Local OTI?
They are removed by the Equipment Specialist
What is comprised of the originating organization number and the local data code in IMDS?
Ident Number
What is the minimum content required in an OTI?
Title, Applicable Equipment, Date OTI was issued, Compliance period, and Remove from service date
Who is responsible for ensuring all applicable IPIs were completed?
The technician who ultimately clears the original discrepancy
How are IPIs for off-equipment documented?
In the same manner as on-equipment IPIs, utilizing the AFTO Form 350
What happens to the calendar days prior to storage for aerospace vehicles in storage exceeding 15 calendar days?
They are included in accrued inspection time after release from storage
What is the purpose of inspection workcards?
To outline the minimum inspection requirements and provide a standardized inspection guide
Who prepares and updates inspection workcards?
The SM, in collaboration with Lead Commands
What is the purpose of an IPI?
To verify the installation of a system, subsystem, or component
What happens when an IPI is displayed as a step in a digital TO?
The IPI requirement is fulfilled and the following procedures do not apply
What is included in an inspection workcard?
Minimum inspection requirements, estimated time for accomplishment, and identification of the work area
What is the primary purpose of accomplishing inspection requirements concurrently?
To avoid complications in scheduling and controlling maintenance
What is the role of the GP/CC in regards to inspections?
To establish necessary controls to ensure inspections are accomplished at scheduled times
What is the purpose of the Mission Design Series (MDS) specific -6 TO maintenance manuals?
To prescribe intervals for Air Force aerospace vehicle inspections
Who is responsible for approving scheduling deviations beyond what is authorized in aerospace vehicle specific technical manuals?
SM
What is the purpose of increasing the frequency or scope of scheduled inspections?
To accommodate temporary situations
What is the primary purpose of the inspection concepts mentioned in the text?
To ensure aerospace vehicles are maintained properly
What is the purpose of the Pre-Launch Inspection or Walk-Around Inspection?
To accomplish an abbreviated pre-flight inspection
When new inspection requirements are levied, and the age or accrued time of the aerospace vehicles is beyond the specified inspection interval, what action is taken?
Accomplish the initial inspections as soon as practical and regulate subsequent inspections accordingly
Under what conditions is an End-of-Runway Inspection (EOR) not required?
When an aerospace vehicle is launched from alert status
What is the purpose of the recurring maintenance cycle?
To ensure adequate scheduling flexibility to bundle/align recurring maintenance requirements
What determines the inspection concept for aerospace vehicles?
The Program Manager (PM)
What is the role of the Single Manager (SM) in relation to the End-of-Runway Inspection (EOR)?
To list minimum inspection requirements in the applicable -6 TO
What is the purpose of the contingency decks during increased readiness conditions?
To ensure all items impacting aerospace vehicle safety and reliability are inspected
What happens when an aerospace vehicle is mobilizing for contingency operations?
All of the above
What happens when an inspection interval is exceeded?
Inspection interval extensions must be annotated using the Red Dash
When is a new Pre-Flight Inspection (PR) required?
All of the above
What is the purpose of the Thru-Flight Inspection (TH)?
To inspect the aerospace vehicle between flights
What is used to analyze data and make changes to inspection intervals or requirements?
Both Maintenance Information System (MIS) and Reliability Centered Maintenance Analysis (RCMA)
What is the specified flying period?
A period of hours specified by the MAJCOM not to exceed 72 hours
What type of inspections are scheduled at equal intervals throughout the total inspection cycle?
Periodic, phase, and isochronal inspections
What is the purpose of bringing inspection requirements to the attention of the SM?
To integrate them into the applicable -6 scheduled inspection and maintenance manuals
Who must approve scheduling deviations that affect PDM or aerospace vehicle manufacturer maintenance?
The Single Manager (SM), Lead Command, and owning MAJCOM
What determines the end of the pre-flight validity period?
When the selected time period has expired
When are new inspection requirements implemented for aerospace vehicles, systems, and components?
When the age or accrued time is less than the specified inspection interval
What is the purpose of the inspection cycle?
To ensure adequate scheduling flexibility to bundle/align recurring maintenance requirements
What is the purpose of Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) not in an installed status?
To be exempt from these requirements
What is the primary objective of the Phase Inspection concept?
To minimize the length of time that an aerospace vehicle is out-of-commission for any given scheduled inspection
What is the main difference between the Basic Post-Flight Inspection and the Thru-Flight Inspection?
The Basic Post-Flight Inspection is accomplished at the end of the specified flying period, while the Thru-Flight Inspection is accomplished at equally spaced intervals
When is the Combined Pre-Flight/Basic Post-Flight Inspection accomplished?
Prior to the first flight of the next specified flying period
What is the purpose of the Hourly Post-Flight Inspection?
To check the aerospace vehicle condition at equally spaced intervals
What determines the due time for all Hourly Post-Flight Inspections?
The completion of each Periodic/Phase inspection
What is the purpose of the Quick Turn Inspection?
To authorize QT inspections for aerospace vehicles resuming alert after flight or placing aerospace vehicles on alert at alert site locations
What is the purpose of the Periodic Inspection?
To provide a thorough inspection of the entire aerospace vehicle
What is the purpose of the Thru-Flight Inspection?
To provide a visual examination and/or operational checks of certain components, areas, or systems
What determines when the next Periodic Inspection is due?
The accrual of the number of flying hours, operating hours, or at the expiration of a calendar period
What is the purpose of scheduling Phase Inspections?
To schedule inspections at equal intervals throughout the total inspection cycle
What is the primary purpose of the ISO concept in relation to aerospace vehicle maintenance?
To translate flying hour utilization rates into calendar periods
What determines the due date of a Minor ISO inspection?
The number of calendar days established in the MDS specific -6 TO
Which of the following aerospace vehicles do not accrue -6 inspection days?
Aerospace vehicles in Purpose Identifier Code DJ
What is the purpose of the SM in conjunction with the Lead Command?
To determine necessary adjustments to the inspection interval
What is the purpose of the HSC inspection?
To arrange and design for accomplishment upon expiration of a specified short-term calendar interval
Under what circumstances can an aerospace vehicle exceed the PDM cycle?
If the deviation exceeds the overfly authorized by the MDS specific -6 TO
What is the consideration for scheduling a Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) inspection?
The primary consideration for scheduling a PDM inspection is the accrual of flying hours
What is the purpose of the MAJ inspection?
To perform a thorough inspection of the entire aerospace vehicle
What is the purpose of the 90-day no-fly calendar inspection?
To perform an operational check of all functional aerospace vehicle systems
Who is responsible for scheduling a Programmed Depot Maintenance inspection?
The SM
What is the time frame for the ISO concept?
From the completion of the post-dock from the last ISO to the start of the next ISO
What happens when an aerospace vehicle is in DJ status awaiting depot input?
The accrual of inspection days is dependent on the MDS specific -6 TO or maintenance planning document criteria
Under what circumstances can MAJCOMs approve deviations to schedules?
When the aerospace vehicle is removed from service for extended periods of time
What is the purpose of the letter check concept?
To ensure the inspection period is properly established to meet maintenance and engineering requirements
What information must be provided when requesting an ISO deviation?
All of the above, plus additional information such as flying hours and TCTOs
What is the purpose of the AFTO Form 26?
To permit local preparation of replacement workcards for those that become unserviceable
What is the purpose of the MIN inspection?
To determine if conditions exist that could result in failure or malfunction of a component
What is the consequence of an aerospace vehicle exceeding the PDM cycle by 90 days?
The Red Dash is upgraded to a Red X
What can happen to inspection requirements that pertain to systems or components not installed on locally maintained equipment?
GP/CC may authorize Quality Assurance to line out non-applicable requirements and enter 'NA' in the margin
What is the purpose of annotating a Red Dash on the prescribed forms?
To indicate that the aerospace vehicle exceeds the PDM cycle
What type of inspections are usually performed at home station?
A/B checks
What determines the varying calendar inspection periods for MDS specific -6 TO inspection workcards?
The weapon system SM and Lead Command
What happens when the arrangement of published workcards is not entirely compatible with the technician manning or scheduled sequence preferred?
The using activities may transfer individual inspection requirements from one card to another with GP/CC approval
What is the purpose of the isochronal concept?
To compute the date from the completion of the last isochronal inspection
What is the purpose of transferring individual inspection requirements from one card to another?
To accommodate technician manning or scheduled sequence preferred
What is the restriction on making minor changes to published workcards?
Minor changes are not allowed if specifically prohibited by MAJCOM directives
What kind of inspection is performed on all newly assigned or organic/contract depot Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE)?
All of the above
What is included in the TCTO Number (Ident Number) for local OTI TCTOs?
Originating unit and data code
Who determines if an acceptance inspection is required on all newly assigned or organic/contract depot repaired vehicles/engines and equipment prior to being placed in service?
Lead Command
What is the purpose of a One Time Inspection (OTI)?
To verify the existence of suspected equipment conditions or malfunctions
What is the purpose of an IPI?
To accomplish additional inspection or verification
What happens when an unsafe condition or material failure is discovered on aerospace equipment and there is the potential the condition may exist on other aerospace equipment?
All of the above
Where are IPIs for off-equipment documented?
On the AFTO Form 350
How are local OTIs managed?
All of the above
What is the purpose of inspection workcards?
To outline minimum inspection requirements
What is the purpose of an Acceptance Inspection Deficiency Report (AIDR)?
To document deficiencies found during an acceptance inspection
Who prepares and updates inspection workcards?
The SM
What is included in the contents of an OTI?
All of the above
What determines the scope of an acceptance inspection on newly assigned or organic/contract depot Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE)?
Lead Command
How often must an acceptance inspection be accomplished on newly assigned or organic/contract depot Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE)?
Within 30 days of equipment receipt
What is the purpose of the OTI Distribution?
To send OTIs to all applicable organizations
What happens to similar systems or units if an unsafe condition or material failure is discovered on aerospace equipment?
They are restricted from further flight or use
What happens to the accrued time in storage for aerospace vehicles in storage exceeding 15 calendar days?
It is not charged against the calendar time for the next scheduled home station check
Who develops and issues OTIs under the same guidelines as any other ALC issued TCTO?
System Program Office
What is required to be performed by an authorized IPI inspector other than the technician performing the specific step of a task that requires the IPI?
The IPI inspector
What is the purpose of grouping inspection workcards?
To allow supervisors to assign a technician to a certain work area
Study Notes
Inspection Intervals
- Intervals for Air Force aerospace vehicle inspections are prescribed in applicable Mission Design Series (MDS) specific -6 TO maintenance manuals, item technical orders, inspection workcards, checklists, commercial manuals, or depot engineering data.
- Inspection concepts for aerospace vehicles include:
- Periodic
- Phase
- Isochronal
- Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM)
- Aerospace vehicle manufacturer maintenance
Recurring Maintenance
- Each SM/Program Manager (PM) determines the inspection concept, establishes a recurring maintenance cycle, and ensures adequate scheduling flexibility.
- Recurring maintenance requirements are published in MDS specific -6 TOs and/or inspection workcard decks.
Inspection Concepts
- Periodic Concept:
- Pre-flight (PR)
- Basic Post-Flight (BPO)
- Pre-Launch Inspection (PLI) or Walk-Around (WAI)
- Combined Pre-Flight/BPO (PR/BPO)
- End-of-Runway (EOR)
- Hourly Post-Flight (HPO)
- Thru-Flight (TH)
- Periodic (PE)
- Quick Turn (QT)
- Pre-Departure Service Check (PDSC)
- Phase Concept:
- PR
- BPO
- PLI or WAI
- PR/BPO
- EOR
- HPO
- TH
- Phase (PH)
- QT
- Isochronal Concept:
- PR
- PR/BPO
- EOR
- HPO
- TH
- Home Station Check (HSC)
- QT
- Minor (Min)
- BPO
- Major (Maj)
- Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) Concept:
- 12 Month
- 48 Month
- 24 Month
- 54 Month
- 36 Month
- 60 Month
- Aerospace Vehicle Manufacturer Inspection Concept:
- A Check
- C Check
- B Check
- D Check
Inspection Cycle
- Lead commands may authorize aerospace vehicles to use a modified inspection workcard deck during contingencies and increased readiness conditions.
- The SM designates and publishes workcards in conjunction with the Lead Command for use during these periods.
- Inspection intervals are scheduled at equal intervals throughout the total inspection cycle, regardless of when inspections were actually completed.
Inspection Types
- Pre-Flight Inspections:
- PR
- PLI or WAI
- Pre-Flight validity period ends when the selected time period has expired or when the specified flying period expires, whichever occurs first.
- End-of-Runway Inspection:
- EOR
- Performed immediately prior to take-off at a designated location.
- Thru-Flight Inspection:
- TH
- After each flight, when a turnaround sortie or a continuation flight is scheduled and a BPO inspection is not required.
- Quick Turn Inspection:
- QT
- An abbreviated thru-flight inspection authorized by MDS specific -6 TOs.
- Basic Post-Flight Inspection:
- BPO
- A more thorough check than the PR or TH inspections.
- Combined Pre-Flight/Basic Post-Flight Inspection:
- PR/BPO
- Consolidates the requirements of the PR and BPO inspections into a single inspection.
- Hourly Post-Flight Inspection:
- HPO
- Accomplished at equally spaced intervals as specified in the applicable MDS specific -6 TO.
- Periodic Inspection:
- PE
- Due upon accrual of the number of flying hours, operating hours, or at the expiration of a calendar period specified in the applicable MDS specific -6 TO.
- Phase Inspections:
- PH
- Consolidation of the BPO, periodic inspection, and/or HPO requirements into work decks having approximately the same work content and approximately the same number of clock hours for accomplishment.
- Isochronal Inspection:
- ISO
- Translates flying hour utilization rates into calendar periods, usually expressed in days.
- Minor ISO Inspection:
- MIN
- Checks certain components, areas, or systems of the aerospace vehicle to determine if conditions exist that could result in failure or malfunction prior to the next scheduled inspection.
- Major ISO Inspection:
- MAJ
- A thorough inspection of the entire aerospace vehicle, individual requirements may be more extensive in scope than previous inspection items.
- Home Station Check Inspection:
- HSC
- Arranged and designed for accomplishment upon expiration of a specified short-term calendar interval.
- Programmed Depot Maintenance:
- PDM
- An inspection requiring skills, equipment, and/or facilities not normally possessed by operating locations.
- Aerospace Vehicle Manufacturer Inspections:
- Letter checks (A through D)
- Specify the inspection period in either flying hours or calendar days.
- No-Fly Calendar Inspections:
- 30-Day Inspection
- 90-Day Inspection
- Required when aerospace vehicles do not fly for a consecutive number of days.### 30-Day Calibration Inspection
- Aerospace vehicles that have completed a PH or ISO inspection within the 30-day period will use the PH/ISO post-dock date to start the 30-day no-fly clock.
90-Day Inspection
- When an aerospace vehicle does not fly for 90 consecutive days (excluding ground training and alert/immediate response aerospace vehicles), the following tasks must be accomplished before the vehicle is returned to operational status:
- Perform a BPO or equivalent inspection.
- Perform an operational check of all functional aerospace vehicle systems except landing gear retraction (unless specified in the MDS specific -6 or -2 TO).
- Accomplish all lubrication requirements.
- Perform any additional inspection or maintenance requirements determined by the GP/CC.
Transfer Inspections
- See Chapter 8 for procedures.
Acceptance Inspections
- Lead Command will determine if an acceptance inspection is required for all newly assigned or organic/contract depot repaired vehicles/engines and equipment prior to being placed in service.
- The scope of these inspections will consist of:
- Preparation for Use IAW end-item TO.
- Service Inspection (SI) IAW applicable workcard.
- Operational Check IAW end-item TO.
- An acceptance inspection will be accomplished within 30 days of equipment receipt, and an Acceptance Inspection Deficiency Report (AIDR) will be documented in the Joint Deficiency Reporting System (JDRS) IAW TO 00-35D-54.
One Time Inspections (OTIs)
- OTIs are used to verify the existence of suspected equipment conditions or malfunctions.
- TCTOs directing an OTI must indicate whether previous inspections satisfy the one-time requirement.
- OTIs are developed and issued under the same guidelines as any other ALC issued TCTO.
In Process Inspection (IPI)
- An IPI is an additional inspection or verification step at a critical point in the installation, assembly, or reassembly of a system, subsystem, or component.
- IPIs are either TO, MAJCOM, or locally directed and are accomplished by IPI certified personnel.
Aerospace Vehicles in Storage
- Storage time will be accrued in accordance with TO 1-1-17 and applicable MDS specific TOs.
- For aerospace vehicles in storage exceeding 15 calendar days, time in storage is not charged against the calendar time for the next scheduled home station check, minor, or major inspection.
Inspection Workcards
- Inspection workcards outline the minimum inspection requirements and provide each technician with a standardized inspection guide.
- Workcards are grouped by the recommended type of technician required to accomplish the inspection so that all requirements listed on any particular card can normally be accomplished by one individual.
Inspection Intervals
- Intervals for Air Force aerospace vehicle inspections are prescribed in applicable Mission Design Series (MDS) specific -6 TO maintenance manuals, item technical orders, inspection workcards, checklists, commercial manuals, or depot engineering data.
- Inspection concepts for aerospace vehicles include:
- Periodic
- Phase
- Isochronal
- Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM)
- Aerospace vehicle manufacturer maintenance
Recurring Maintenance
- Each SM/Program Manager (PM) determines the inspection concept, establishes a recurring maintenance cycle, and ensures adequate scheduling flexibility.
- Recurring maintenance requirements are published in MDS specific -6 TOs and/or inspection workcard decks.
Inspection Concepts
- Periodic Concept:
- Pre-flight (PR)
- Basic Post-Flight (BPO)
- Pre-Launch Inspection (PLI) or Walk-Around (WAI)
- Combined Pre-Flight/BPO (PR/BPO)
- End-of-Runway (EOR)
- Hourly Post-Flight (HPO)
- Thru-Flight (TH)
- Periodic (PE)
- Quick Turn (QT)
- Pre-Departure Service Check (PDSC)
- Phase Concept:
- PR
- BPO
- PLI or WAI
- PR/BPO
- EOR
- HPO
- TH
- Phase (PH)
- QT
- Isochronal Concept:
- PR
- PR/BPO
- EOR
- HPO
- TH
- Home Station Check (HSC)
- QT
- Minor (Min)
- BPO
- Major (Maj)
- Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) Concept:
- 12 Month
- 48 Month
- 24 Month
- 54 Month
- 36 Month
- 60 Month
- Aerospace Vehicle Manufacturer Inspection Concept:
- A Check
- C Check
- B Check
- D Check
Inspection Cycle
- Lead commands may authorize aerospace vehicles to use a modified inspection workcard deck during contingencies and increased readiness conditions.
- The SM designates and publishes workcards in conjunction with the Lead Command for use during these periods.
- Inspection intervals are scheduled at equal intervals throughout the total inspection cycle, regardless of when inspections were actually completed.
Inspection Types
- Pre-Flight Inspections:
- PR
- PLI or WAI
- Pre-Flight validity period ends when the selected time period has expired or when the specified flying period expires, whichever occurs first.
- End-of-Runway Inspection:
- EOR
- Performed immediately prior to take-off at a designated location.
- Thru-Flight Inspection:
- TH
- After each flight, when a turnaround sortie or a continuation flight is scheduled and a BPO inspection is not required.
- Quick Turn Inspection:
- QT
- An abbreviated thru-flight inspection authorized by MDS specific -6 TOs.
- Basic Post-Flight Inspection:
- BPO
- A more thorough check than the PR or TH inspections.
- Combined Pre-Flight/Basic Post-Flight Inspection:
- PR/BPO
- Consolidates the requirements of the PR and BPO inspections into a single inspection.
- Hourly Post-Flight Inspection:
- HPO
- Accomplished at equally spaced intervals as specified in the applicable MDS specific -6 TO.
- Periodic Inspection:
- PE
- Due upon accrual of the number of flying hours, operating hours, or at the expiration of a calendar period specified in the applicable MDS specific -6 TO.
- Phase Inspections:
- PH
- Consolidation of the BPO, periodic inspection, and/or HPO requirements into work decks having approximately the same work content and approximately the same number of clock hours for accomplishment.
- Isochronal Inspection:
- ISO
- Translates flying hour utilization rates into calendar periods, usually expressed in days.
- Minor ISO Inspection:
- MIN
- Checks certain components, areas, or systems of the aerospace vehicle to determine if conditions exist that could result in failure or malfunction prior to the next scheduled inspection.
- Major ISO Inspection:
- MAJ
- A thorough inspection of the entire aerospace vehicle, individual requirements may be more extensive in scope than previous inspection items.
- Home Station Check Inspection:
- HSC
- Arranged and designed for accomplishment upon expiration of a specified short-term calendar interval.
- Programmed Depot Maintenance:
- PDM
- An inspection requiring skills, equipment, and/or facilities not normally possessed by operating locations.
- Aerospace Vehicle Manufacturer Inspections:
- Letter checks (A through D)
- Specify the inspection period in either flying hours or calendar days.
- No-Fly Calendar Inspections:
- 30-Day Inspection
- 90-Day Inspection
- Required when aerospace vehicles do not fly for a consecutive number of days.### 30-Day Calibration Inspection
- Aerospace vehicles that have completed a PH or ISO inspection within the 30-day period will use the PH/ISO post-dock date to start the 30-day no-fly clock.
90-Day Inspection
- When an aerospace vehicle does not fly for 90 consecutive days (excluding ground training and alert/immediate response aerospace vehicles), the following tasks must be accomplished before the vehicle is returned to operational status:
- Perform a BPO or equivalent inspection.
- Perform an operational check of all functional aerospace vehicle systems except landing gear retraction (unless specified in the MDS specific -6 or -2 TO).
- Accomplish all lubrication requirements.
- Perform any additional inspection or maintenance requirements determined by the GP/CC.
Transfer Inspections
- See Chapter 8 for procedures.
Acceptance Inspections
- Lead Command will determine if an acceptance inspection is required for all newly assigned or organic/contract depot repaired vehicles/engines and equipment prior to being placed in service.
- The scope of these inspections will consist of:
- Preparation for Use IAW end-item TO.
- Service Inspection (SI) IAW applicable workcard.
- Operational Check IAW end-item TO.
- An acceptance inspection will be accomplished within 30 days of equipment receipt, and an Acceptance Inspection Deficiency Report (AIDR) will be documented in the Joint Deficiency Reporting System (JDRS) IAW TO 00-35D-54.
One Time Inspections (OTIs)
- OTIs are used to verify the existence of suspected equipment conditions or malfunctions.
- TCTOs directing an OTI must indicate whether previous inspections satisfy the one-time requirement.
- OTIs are developed and issued under the same guidelines as any other ALC issued TCTO.
In Process Inspection (IPI)
- An IPI is an additional inspection or verification step at a critical point in the installation, assembly, or reassembly of a system, subsystem, or component.
- IPIs are either TO, MAJCOM, or locally directed and are accomplished by IPI certified personnel.
Aerospace Vehicles in Storage
- Storage time will be accrued in accordance with TO 1-1-17 and applicable MDS specific TOs.
- For aerospace vehicles in storage exceeding 15 calendar days, time in storage is not charged against the calendar time for the next scheduled home station check, minor, or major inspection.
Inspection Workcards
- Inspection workcards outline the minimum inspection requirements and provide each technician with a standardized inspection guide.
- Workcards are grouped by the recommended type of technician required to accomplish the inspection so that all requirements listed on any particular card can normally be accomplished by one individual.
This quiz covers the prescribed intervals for aerospace vehicle inspections in the Air Force, as outlined in MDS-specific maintenance manuals and other relevant documents. It also touches on the concurrent accomplishment of inspection requirements to avoid scheduling complications.
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