Aviation Terms

OVERHAUL: Overhaul means stripping a unit and restoring it to its original design
performance level after replacing/reworking parts to a given standard.

REPAIR: To make an item serviceable by replacing or processing failed or damaged parts.

CHECK: An examination to determine functional capability or physical integrity of an item.

VISUAL CHECK: An observation to determine that an item is fulfilling its intended purpose.
Do not require quantitative tolerances. This is a failure finding task.

OPERATIONAL TEST: That procedure required to ascertain only that a system or unit is
operable. These tests usually require no special equipment or facilities other than that
installed on the aircraft and should be comparable to the tests performed by the flight
crews. It is not intended that the operational test of the unit shall meet the specifications
and tolerances ordinarily established for overhaul or major maintenance periods.

FUNCTIONAL TEST: That procedure required to ascertain that a system or unit is

functioning in all aspects in accordance with minimum acceptable system or unit design
specifications. These tests may require supplemental ground support equipment and should
be more specific and detailed than an operational test. It should contain all necessary
information to perform proficiency tests to maintain system or unit reliability at an
acceptable level, without reference to additional documents. A functional test usually occurs
at minor maintenance periods.

SERVICING: Any act of replenishment for the purpose of maintaining the inherent design
operating capabilities of an item.

INSPECTION: An examination of an item against a specific standard.

INSPECTION (GENERAL VISUAL): A visual examination that will detect noticeable,

unsatisfactory conditions/discrepancies. This type of inspection may require cleaning,
removal of fillets, fairings, access panels/doors, etc. Work stands, ladders, etc. may be
required to gain proximity.

INSPECTION (DETAILED): An intensive examination of a specified detail, assembly, or

installation. It searches for evidence of irregularity using adequate lighting and, where
necessary, inspection aids such as mirrors, hand lens, boroscope, etc. Surface cleaning and
elaborate access procedures may be required.

INSPECTION (SPECIAL DETAILED - NDI INSPECTIONS): An intensive examination of a

specific location similar to the detailed inspection except for the following differences. The
examination requires some special technique such as Non Destructive test techniques, high-
powered magnification, etc., and may require disassembly procedures. The following
definitions explain the different

NDI inspections:

(a) EDDY CURRENT INSPECTION: A form of nondestructive inspection used to locate

surface or subsurface defects in a metal part. This is a comparative-type inspection, based
on the difference in conductivity of a sound and defective part.
 Aviation Terms
 
(b) FLUORESCENT PENETRANT INSPECTION: A form of nondestructive inspection in
which a part is thoroughly cleaned and immersed in a vat of penetrating oil. When the part
has soaked for a sufficient time, it is removed. The oil is washed from the surface and the
part is dried. It is then covered with a developer that will draw the oil from any crack into
which it may have seeped. The part is inspected under ultraviolet light which will cause the
crack to appear as a vivid green line.

(c) MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION: A form of nondestructive inspection for ferrous

metal parts in which the part is magnetized, producing north and south poles across any
discontinuity, either on the surface or subsurface. Iron oxide, mixed with a fluorescent dye,
is attracted and held over the discontinuity. An ultraviolet light flashed on the part shows
the iron oxide as an incandescent line.

(d) OPTICAL PRISM (LARASCOPE) INSPECTION: An inspection that provides a reliable

means of assessing the condition of stretched acrylic underneath visually opaque retainers,
eliminating the need for retainer removal to perform the necessary visual inspections.

(e) X-RAY INSPECTION: A form of nondestructive inspection in which high-frequency,

high energy electromagnetic waves pass through the material and expose a piece of
photographic film. Defects or discontinuities within the material show up as variations in the
density of the image on the film.

DEFECT: Any confirmed abnormal condition of an item whether or not this could eventually
result in a failure.

FAILURE: The inability of an item to perform within previously specified limits.

LIFE LIMITED ITEM: An item which must be removed from service and discarded before a
specified time is achieved.

SERVICE LIFE: The life of an item at which it is no longer physically or economically

feasible to repair or overhaul the item to acceptable standards

STORAGE (SHELF) LIFE: The length of time an item can be stored under specified
conditions and still meet specified requirements.