Inspection Concepts & Techniques
Inspection Concepts & Techniques is a core knowledge area on the AMT — General FAA written exam. This hub collects our 16 in-depth, ACS-aligned inspection concepts & techniques articles — each written in plain English and grounded in the official FAA handbooks. Work through them below, then drill the topic with practice questions.
Visual Inspection Techniques for Aircraft Structures
Visual inspection is the foundational skill every AMT must master — learn the systematic methods, lighting techniques, and defect recognition cues that keep aircraft structurally airworthy.
Dye Penetrant Inspection Procedure and Interpretation
Dye penetrant inspection is a non-destructive testing method used to detect surface-breaking defects in non-porous materials by applying a colored or fluorescent dye, allowing it to seep into cracks, then removing the excess and applying a developer to reveal discontinuities.
Magnetic Particle Inspection Principles and Applications
Magnetic particle inspection (MPI) is a non-destructive testing method that reveals surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic aircraft components by attracting fine magnetic particles to flux-leakage fields at defect sites.
Eddy Current Inspection Theory and Usage in Aviation
Eddy current inspection is a non-destructive testing method that detects surface and near-surface flaws in conductive materials by inducing electromagnetic currents and analyzing their disruption—critical for aviation structural integrity checks.
Ultrasonic Inspection Methods for Aircraft Components
Ultrasonic inspection uses high-frequency sound waves to detect internal and surface flaws in aircraft components without disassembly, making it one of the most powerful nondestructive testing methods in aviation maintenance.
Radiographic Inspection (X-Ray) in Aviation Maintenance
Radiographic inspection uses X-ray or gamma-ray energy to reveal internal flaws invisible to the naked eye, making it one of aviation maintenance's most powerful non-destructive testing methods.
Coin Tap Test for Delamination and Debonding Detection
The coin tap test is a simple, effective non-destructive inspection technique used by AMTs to detect hidden delamination and debonding in composite and honeycomb aircraft structures by listening for acoustic changes when tapping the surface.
Torque Seal and Witness Mark Usage in Inspection
Torque seal (lacquer) and witness marks are quick-visual inspection tools that let mechanics and inspectors confirm fasteners have not loosened or moved since they were last serviced.
Aircraft Structural Repair Manual (SRM) Inspection Criteria
The Structural Repair Manual (SRM) defines legally binding damage limits and repair procedures for certified aircraft structures; AMTs must understand how to locate, read, and apply SRM inspection criteria to keep airframes airworthy.
Fluorescent Penetrant vs Visible Dye Penetrant Comparison
Fluorescent and visible dye penetrant inspections both reveal surface cracks in non-porous materials, but differ critically in sensitivity, equipment needs, and FAA-approved applications for aviation maintenance.
Borescope Inspection Techniques for Internal Engine Components
Borescope inspection lets technicians visually examine internal engine components—cylinders, turbine blades, combustion chambers—without disassembly, making it a critical non-destructive testing tool for AMTs.
Inspection of Safety Wiring and Cotter Pin Installations
Safety wiring and cotter pins are critical locking devices that prevent fastener loosening; AMT candidates must know correct installation methods, inspection criteria, and common failure patterns recognized during maintenance checks.
NDT Inspector Qualification and Certification Requirements (NAS 410)
NAS 410 defines the qualification and certification levels for NDT inspectors—Level I, II, and III—setting the training, experience, and examination requirements aviation maintenance technicians must meet before performing or certifying nondestructive tests.
Defect Identification: Cracks, Corrosion, and Fatigue Indicators
Aviation maintenance technicians must reliably identify cracks, corrosion, and fatigue indicators during inspections to ensure structural integrity; this article covers detection methods, failure mechanisms, and FAA-grounded inspection standards.
Required Inspection Items (RII) and Inspector Authorization
Required Inspection Items (RII) are specific maintenance tasks on air carriers where FAA regulations mandate a second, qualified inspector must approve the work before return to service—understanding RII and Inspector Authorization is essential for AMT certification and safe airline operations.
Inspection of Composite Structures for Damage Assessment
Composite structures require specialized inspection methods—visual, tap-test, and NDT—because damage such as delamination and disbonds is often invisible to the untrained eye yet critically weakens the structure.
More AMT — General subjects
Articles are original summaries grounded in the public-domain FAA handbooks and cite their source. ACS-aligned study aids — not a substitute for the official handbooks or regulations.