FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-1B
Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices
Aircraft Inspection and Repair
AC 43.13-1B | 5. Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) | 2. Visual Inspection | 5-18. Visual Inspection Procedures
AC 43.13-1B
9/8/98
NOTE: Eddy current, radiography,
or ultrasonic inspection can deter-
mine the loss of metal to corrosion.
required. An inspector normally should have
available suitable measuring devices, a flash-
light, and a mirror.
c. Lighting. Provide adequate lighting to
illuminate the selected part or area.
d. Personal Comfort. Personal comfort
(temperature, wind, rain, etc.) of the inspector
can be a factor in visual inspection reliability.
e. Noise. Noise levels while conducting a
visual inspection are important. Excessive
noise reduces concentration, creates tension,
and prevents effective communication. All
these factors will increase the likelihood of er-
rors.
f. Inspection Area Access. Ease of ac-
cess to the inspection area has been found to
be of major importance in obtaining reliable
visual inspection results. Access consists of
the act of getting into an inspection position
(primary access) and doing the visual inspec-
tion (secondary access). Poor access can affect
the inspector’s interpretation of discontinuities,
decision making, motivation, and attitude.
(1) Surface cracks. When searching for
surface cracks with a flashlight, direct the light
beam at a 5 to 45 degree angle to the inspec-
tion surface, towards the face. (See fig-
ure 5-2.) Do not direct the light beam at such
an angle that the reflected light beam shines di-
rectly into the eyes. Keep the eyes above the
reflected light beam during the inspection.
Determine the extent of any cracks found by
directing the light beam at right angles to the
crack and tracing its length. Use a 10-power
magnifying glass to confirm the existence of a
suspected crack. If this is not adequate, use
other NDI techniques, such as penetrant, mag-
netic particle, or eddy current to verify cracks.
(2) Other surface discontinuities. In-
spect for other surface discontinuities, such as:
discoloration from overheating; buckled,
bulging, or dented skin; cracked, chafed, split,
or dented tubing; chafed electrical wiring; de-
laminations of composites; and damaged pro-
tective finishes.
g. Precleaning. Clean the areas or surface
of the parts to be inspected. Remove any con-
taminates that might hinder the discovery of
existing surface indications. Do not remove
the protective finish from the part or area prior
to inspection. Removal of the finish may be
required at a later time if other NDI techniques
are required to verify any visual indications of
flaws that are found.
h. Inspection. Carefully inspect the area
for discontinuities, using optical aids as
i. Recordkeeping. Document all discrep-
ancies by written report, photograph, and/or
video recording for appropriate evaluation.
The full value of visual inspection can be re-
alized only if records are kept of the discrep-
ancies found on parts inspected. The size and
shape of the discontinuity and its location on
the part should be recorded along with other
pertinent information, such as rework per-
formed or disposition. The inclusion on a re-
port of some visible record of the discontinuity
makes the report more complete.
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Par 5-18