What types of inspections are required after structural repairs are completed?

After structural repairs are completed on an aircraft, it is essential to verify the integrity of the repair to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Visual inspections are the most fundamental form of assessment, allowing inspectors to check for obvious issues such as surface defects, misalignments, or other anomalies that may affect the structure's functionality or safety.

However, in many cases, a visual inspection alone may not be sufficient to determine the integrity of the repair, especially in areas where internal or subsurface flaws may exist that are not visible to the naked eye. This is where Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods come into play. Techniques such as ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, or dye penetrant testing can be utilized to assess the integrity of materials and welds without damaging the structure.

This comprehensive approach of combining visual inspections with NDT ensures that any potential issues are caught early, ultimately enhancing the safety and reliability of the aircraft after repairs. Regulatory organizations often require this thorough assessment process following structural modifications or repairs to ensure airworthiness compliance.