AMTE 233

Aircraft Inspection (Airframe & Engine)

TOPIC 2: Publications and Inspection

NAME: MR. JUSTIN L. ALIÑABON

SECTION: INSTRUCTOR
Publications

Aeronautical publications are the sources of information for guiding aviation

mechanics in the operation and maintenance of aircraft and related equipment.

The proper use of these publications will greatly aid in the efficient operation
and maintenance of all aircraft.

These include manufacturers’ service bulletins, manuals, and catalogs; FAA

regulations; airworthiness directives; advisory circulars; and aircraft,
engine and propeller specifications.
Manufacturers’ Service Bulletins/Instructions

Service bulletins or service instructions are two of several types of publications

issued by airframe, engine, and component manufacturers. The bulletins may
include:

(1) purpose for issuing the publication,

(2) name of the applicable airframe, engine, or component,

(3) detailed instructions for service, adjustment, modification or inspection, and

source of parts, if required and

(4) estimated number of manhours required to accomplish the job.

Maintenance Manual

The manufacturer’s aircraft maintenance manual contains complete instructions for

maintenance of all systems and components installed in the aircraft. It contains
information for the mechanic who normally works on components, assemblies, and
systems while they are installed in the aircraft, but not for the overhaul mechanic. A
typical aircraft maintenance manual contains:

• A description of the systems (i.e., electrical, hydraulic, fuel, control)

• Lubrication instructions setting forth the frequency and the lubricants and fluids which
are to be used in the various systems,

• Pressures and electrical loads applicable to the various systems,

• Tolerances and adjustments necessary to proper functioning of the airplane,

• Methods of leveling, raising, and towing,

• Methods of balancing control surfaces,

• Identification of primary and secondary structures,

• Frequency and extent of inspections necessary to the proper operation of the airplane,

• Special repair methods applicable to the airplane,

• Special inspection techniques requiring x-ray, ultrasonic, or magnetic particle

inspection, and

• A list of special tools.

Overhaul Manual

The manufacturer’s overhaul manual contains brief descriptive information and

detailed step by step instructions covering work normally performed on a unit
that has been removed from the aircraft.
Simple, inexpensive items, such as switches and relays on which overhaul is
uneconomical, are not covered in the overhaul manual.
Structural Repair Manual

This manual contains the manufacturer’s information and specific instructions

for repairing primary and secondary structures.
Typical skin, frame, rib, and stringer repairs are covered in this manual. Also
included are material and fastener substitutions and special repair techniques.
Illustrated Parts Catalog

This catalog presents component breakdowns of structure and equipment in

disassembly sequence.
Also included are exploded views or cutaway illustrations for all parts and
equipment manufactured by the aircraft manufacturer.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs)

The Code of Federal Regulations is the codification of the general and

permanent rules and regulations published in the Federal Register by the
executive departments and agencies of the federal government
The CFRs were established by law to provide for the safe and orderly conduct
of flight operations and to prescribe airmen privileges and limitations.
A knowledge of the CFRs is necessary during the performance of maintenance,
since all work done on aircraft must comply with CFR provisions
Airworthiness Directives

A primary safety function of the FAA is to require correction of unsafe conditions

found in an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance when such conditions
exist and are likely to exist or develop in other products of the same design
Airworthiness Directives, defines the authority and responsibility of the
Administrator for requiring the necessary corrective action. The Airworthiness
Directives (ADs) are published to notify aircraft owners and other interested persons
of unsafe conditions and to prescribe the conditions under which the product may
continue to be operated.
In addition

Airworthiness Directives may be divided into two categories:

(1) those of an emergency nature requiring immediate compliance upon receipt
and
(2) those of a less urgent nature requiring compliance within a relatively longer
period of time. Also, ADs may be a one time compliance item or a recurring
item that requires future inspection on an hourly basis (accrued flight time since
last compliance) or a calendar time basis.
Routine/Required Inspections
For the purpose of determining their overall condition, 14 CFR provides for the inspection
of all civil aircraft at specific intervals, depending generally upon the type of operations in
which they are engaged.

The pilot in command of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining whether that aircraft
is in condition for safe flight. Therefore, the aircraft must be inspected before each flight.
In addition
More detailed inspections must be conducted by aviation maintenance technicians at least
once each 12 calendar months, while inspection is required for others after each 100
hours of flight.

In other instances, an aircraft may be inspected in accordance with a system set up to

provide for total inspection of the aircraft over a calendar or flight time period.
Preflight/Postflight Inspections

Pilots are required to follow a checklist contained within the Pilot’s Operating
Handbook (POH) when operating aircraft.

The first section of a checklist includes a section entitled Preflight Inspection.

The preflight inspection checklist includes a “walk-around” section listing
items that the pilot is to visually check for general condition as he or she walks
around the airplane.

Also, the pilot must ensure that fuel, oil and other items required for flight are
at the proper levels and not contaminated.
In addition
It is the pilot’s responsibility to review the airworthiness certificate, maintenance records,
and other required paperwork to verify that the aircraft is indeed airworthy.

After each flight, it is recommended that the pilot or mechanic conduct a postflight
inspection to detect any problems that might require repair or servicing before the next
flight.
Example Checklist

The next slide represents a portion of a typical manufacturer's inspection

checklist.
The checklist shows the recommended time intervals of items inspected under a
progressive inspection program, a complete inspection, or annual, including all
50,100 and 200-hour items in addition to any special inspection items.
AIRFRAME
1 Aircraft Exterior
2.Aircraft Structure
3.Windows, windshield, doors and seals
4. Seat stops, seat rails, upholstery, structure and mounting
5. Seat belts and shoulder harnesses
6. Control column bearings, sprockets, pulleys, cables, chains and turnbuckles
7. Control lock, control wheel and control column mechanism
8. Instruments and markings
9. Gyros central air filter
10. Magnetic compass compensation
11. Instrument wiring and plumbing
12. Instrument panel, shock mounts, ground straps, decals and labeling
13. Defrosting, heating and ventilating systems and controls
14. Cabin upholstery, trim sun visors and ash trays
15. Area beneath floor, lines, hose, wires and control cables
16. Lights, switches, circuit breakers, fuses and spare fuses
17. Exterior lights
18. Pitot and static systems
19. Stall warning unit and pitot heater
20. Radios, radio controls, avionics and flight instruments
21. Antennas and cables
22. Battery, battery box and battery cables
23. Battery electrolyte
24. Emergency locator transmitter
25. Oxygen system
26. Oxygen supply, masks and hose
27. Deice system plumbing
28. Deice system components
29. Deice system boots
CONTROL SYSTEMS
In addition to the items listed below, always check for correct direction of movement,
correct travel and correct cable tension.
1. Cables, terminals, pulleys, pulley brackets, cable guards, turnbuckles and
fairleads
2. Chains, terminals, sprockets and chain guards
3. Trim control wheels, indicators, actuator and bungee
4. Travel stops
5. Decals and labeling
6. Flap control switch, flap rollers and flap position indicator
7. Flap motor, transmission, limit switches, structure, linkage, belt cranks, etc.
8. Flap actuator jackscrew threads
9. Elevators, trim tab, hinges and push-pull tab
10. Elevator trim tab actuator lubrication and tab free-play inspection
11. Rudder pedal assemblies and linkage
12. External skins of control surfaces and tabs
13. Ailerons, hinges, and control rods
14. Internal structure of control surfaces
15. Balance weight adjustment
Appendix D to Part 43—Scope and Detail of Items (as Applicable to the Particular
Aircraft) To Be Included in Annual and 100-Hour Inspections

(a) Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall, before that inspection,
remove or open all necessary inspection plates, access doors, fairing, and cowling. He shall
thoroughly clean the aircraft and aircraft engine.

(b) Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where applicable)
the following components of the fuselage and hull group:

(1) Fabric and skin—for deterioration, distortion, other evidence of failure, and defective or
insecure attachment of fittings.

(2) Systems and components—for improper installation, apparent defects, and unsatisfactory
operation.

(3) Envelope, gas bags, ballast tanks, and related parts—for poor condition.
(c) Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where applicable)
the following components of the cabin and cockpit group:

(1) Generally—for uncleanliness and loose equipment that might foul the controls.

(2) Seats and safety belts—for poor condition and apparent defects.

(3) Windows and windshields—for deterioration and breakage.

(4) Instruments—for poor condition, mounting, marking, and (where practicable) improper
operation.

(5) Flight and engine controls—for improper installation and improper operation.

(6) Batteries—for improper installation and improper charge.

(7) All systems—for improper installation, poor general condition, apparent and obvious
defects, and insecurity of attachment.
(d) Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where
applicable) components of the engine and nacelle group as follows:

(1) Engine section—for visual evidence of excessive oil, fuel, or hydraulic leaks, and
sources of such leaks.

(2) Studs and nuts—for improper torquing and obvious defects.

(3) Internal engine—for cylinder compression and for metal particles or foreign matter on
screens and sump drain plugs. If there is weak cylinder compression, for improper
internal condition and improper internal tolerances.

(4) Engine mount—for cracks, looseness of mounting, and looseness of engine to mount.
(5) Flexible vibration dampeners—for poor condition and deterioration.

(6) Engine controls—for defects, improper travel, and improper safetying.

(7) Lines, hoses, and clamps—for leaks, improper condition, and looseness.

(8) Exhaust stacks—for cracks, defects, and improper attachment.

(9) Accessories—for apparent defects in security of mounting.

(10) All systems—for improper installation, poor general condition, defects, and insecure
attachment.

(11) Cowling—for cracks and defects.

(e) Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where
applicable) the following components of the landing gear group:

(1) All units—for poor condition and insecurity of attachment.

(2) Shock absorbing devices—for improper oleo fluid level.

(3) Linkages, trusses, and members—for undue or excessive wear fatigue, and distortion.

(4) Retracting and locking mechanism—for improper operation.

(5) Hydraulic lines—for leakage.

(6) Electrical system—for chafing and improper operation of switches.
(7) Wheels—for cracks, defects, and condition of bearings.
(8) Tires—for wear and cuts.
(9) Brakes—for improper adjustment.
(10) Floats and skids—for insecure attachment and obvious or apparent defects.
(f) Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect
(where applicable) all components of the wing and center section assembly for
poor general condition, fabric or skin deterioration, distortion, evidence of
failure, and insecurity of attachment.
(g) Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect
(where applicable) all components and systems that make up the complete
empennage assembly for poor general condition, fabric or skin deterioration,
distortion, evidence of failure, insecure attachment, improper component
installation, and improper component operation.
(h) Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect
(where applicable) the following components of the propeller group:

(1) Propeller assembly—for cracks, nicks, binds, and oil leakage.

(2) Bolts—for improper torquing and lack of safetying.

(3) Anti-icing devices—for improper operations and obvious defects.

(4) Control mechanisms—for improper operation, insecure mounting, and

restricted travel.
(i) Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where
applicable) the following components of the radio group:
(1) Radio and electronic equipment—for improper installation and insecure mounting.
(2) Wiring and conduits—for improper routing, insecure mounting, and obvious
defects.
(3) Bonding and shielding—for improper installation and poor condition.
(4) Antenna including trailing antenna—for poor condition, insecure mounting, and
improper operation.

(j) Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where applicable)
each installed miscellaneous item that is not otherwise covered by this listing for improper
installation and improper operation.