Aviation Maintenance: Part Defects

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Questions and Answers

What should be checked when inspecting a pressurised structure?

Only the functionality of blow-out panels

Only the airframe symmetry

Subtle changes to the skin surface and constant cyclic loading (correct)

Only visible defects on the skin surface

Why is it essential to inspect for corrosion when removing skin panels?

To detect hidden defects in the underlying structure (correct)

To ensure airframe symmetry

To inspect for subtle changes to the skin surface

To check for fatigue cracks around doors

What is the significance of inspecting blade seals?

They increase fuel consumption

They are not essential for aircraft performance

They affect flight characteristics

Their condition is critical to aircraft serviceability (correct)

Why is aerodynamic cleanliness important?

It affects both flight characteristics and fuel consumption Signup and view all the answers

What should be inspected to ensure airframe symmetry?

Measurements to ensure airframe symmetry Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked when inspecting moving parts?

Defects created during component operation Signup and view all the answers

What is typically inspected for in rubber, fabric, glass fibre, and plastic parts?

Security of attachment, correct connections and locking Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of deterioration in rubber, fabric, glass fibre, and plastic parts?

Loss of flexibility Signup and view all the answers

What is inspected for in control system component defects?

Correct alignment, no fouling, free movement, distortion, evidence of bowing Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a glass defect?

Windscreen crack Signup and view all the answers

What is inspected for in rubber, fabric, glass fibre, and plastic parts?

Cracks, cuts, chafing, kinking, twisting, crushing, and contraction or sufficient free length Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of control system component defects?

Evidence of wear, flattening Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of small white marks on the wheel rim and tyre side wall?

To detect creep in the wheel Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of defects in aircraft wheels?

Impact damage from heavy landings or runway debris Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the brake rotors and stators during operation?

They wear away due to friction Signup and view all the answers

How is wear on the brake pack typically monitored?

By measuring the thickness of the brake pack Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of excessive heating of the brake unit?

Debris and excessive powder Signup and view all the answers

When are landing gear locks typically fitted to the aircraft?

When the aircraft is to stay on the ground for some time Signup and view all the answers

What should be inspected on aircraft fittings like nuts and bolts?

Correct torque, tamper proof paste, and elongation Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to rivets during inspection?

Drill them out to determine the extent of any corrosion Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked on filters, screens, and aircraft fluids during inspection?

Cleanliness, contamination, previous inspection, and replacement schedule Signup and view all the answers

Why should a gap under the rivet head be inspected?

To check if the rivet has stretched from stress Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked on engine nacelles during inspection?

Security, movement, wear, and corrosion Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked on wiring during inspection?

Chafing, overheating, corrosion, loose terminals, and insulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of neutralizing alkali spillage?

Using a solution of chromic acid crystals in water Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern when dealing with mercury spillage on aluminium alloys?

Liquid metal embrittlement Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to clean spilled mercury on aluminium immediately?

To prevent the formation of an amalgam Signup and view all the answers

What is a effective method of locating small particles of spilled mercury?

X-ray inspection Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to isolate and recover mercury spills on an aircraft?

To prevent corrosion of the aircraft structure Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible source of mercury spills on an aircraft?

Damaged containers or cartons in air cargo Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rubber / Fabric / Glass Fibre / Plastic Part Defects

Inspections of these parts include checking for cleanliness, cracks, cuts, chafing, kinking, twisting, crushing, and contraction or sufficient free length.
Deterioration, crazing, loss of flexibility, overheating, fluid soakage, and security of attachment, correct connections, and locking are also inspected.
Examples of defects include windscreen cracks.

Control System Component Defects

Inspections of cables, chains, pulleys, rods, and tubes include checking for correct alignment, free movement, and no fouling or distortion.
Evidence of wear, flattening, cracks, loose rivets, and deterioration of protective treatment are also inspected.
Electrical bonding, correct positioning, and secure attachments are also checked.

Inspecting Wheels

Defects in aircraft wheels are usually due to impact damage from heavy landings or items on the runway hitting the wheel rim.
Corrosion can start as a result of impact damage and shearing of wheel bolts.
Wheels are usually inspected thoroughly during tyre replacement.

Inspecting Brakes

Brake units are attached to the axle of an undercarriage leg and absorb large amounts of energy as heat during operation.
Inspection of brake units between flights is essential to check for signs of excessive heating and wear beyond limits.
Wear reduces the total thickness of the brake pack, which can be monitored by measuring the thickness of the pack.

Inspecting Landing Gear Locks

Landing gear locks are fitted to the aircraft's undercarriage as a safety device to prevent landing gear from inadvertently collapsing.
They are usually fitted when the aircraft is to stay on the ground for some time and removed before the next flight.

Inspecting a Pressurised Structure

Factors to consider when inspecting a pressurised structure include constant cyclic loading or hoop stress, subtle changes to the skin surface, and serviceability of blow-out panels, doors, windows, and seals.
It is essential to check the surrounding area for damage that may not be apparent, such as in the underlying structure.
Feel for deformation, such as wrinkles or buckling, and make measurements to ensure airframe symmetry.

Inspecting Moving Parts

When inspecting moving parts, the AME must check that defects have not been created during component operation.
There should be no evidence of wires or wire looms chafing or rubbing against other components or structures, burning or overheating, defective insulation, loose, corroded, or broken terminals, heat or fluid degradation, and proper installation of any clamps or devices supporting the wiring.

Inspecting Bolts

Aircraft fittings like nuts and bolts should be checked to ensure they have the correct torque and that any tamper-proof paste is still intact.
Any elongation of bearing surfaces, deformation, evidence of shear or tension damage should be identified and recorded.
All fittings should be installed correctly, be the correct size and type, and be corrosion-free.

Inspecting Rivets

Any corrosion discovered around rivets should be identified and recorded.
A complete inspection requires them to be drilled out to determine the extent of any corrosion.
The maintenance manual should always be followed when reinstalling rivets.
An inspection should also identify if there is a gap under the rivet head or if it is loose.

Inspecting Filters, Screens, and Fluids

Inspection of filters, screens, and aircraft fluids includes checking for cleanliness to ensure there is no contamination.
These components should be checked to ensure they have been previously inspected and or replaced in accordance with the maintenance manual service schedule.

Inspecting the Powerplant

When inspecting the engine nacelles, the engine mounts should be thoroughly inspected for security and any evidence of movement or wear, cracking or corrosion.

Corrosion Due to Mercury

Spilled mercury on aluminum should be cleaned immediately because mercury causes corrosion attack, which is rapid in both pitting and intergranular attack.
X-ray inspection may be an effective method of locating small particles of spilled mercury.
The presence of mercury and mercury salts in air cargo is a definite possibility and requires immediate action for its isolation and recovery.

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Description

Identify and classify defects in various aircraft parts, including rubber, fabric, glass fibre, and plastic components, as per CASA Part 66 regulations.