Conquer the 2026 FAA Airframe Sheet Metal Challenge – Fly High with Confidence!

Visual inspection is a fundamental method for detecting surface defects, such as cracks, in sheet metal. This technique involves eyeing the surface of the metal for any visible irregularities, including cracks, deformations, or corrosion. It is particularly effective because inspectors can often identify small defects that might suggest deeper issues or potentially critical failures. The ease and speed of visual inspection make it an ideal initial check before resorting to more advanced or specialized testing methods.

While other methods, like magnetic particle, ultrasonic, and radiographic inspections, are also valuable for detecting various types of flaws, they require more specialized equipment and training. Magnetic particle inspection is best for ferrous materials and identifies surface and near-surface discontinuities; ultrasonic inspection can detect internal flaws using sound waves but may not be applicable for specific surface cracks without proper settings or materials; radiographic inspection is primarily used for thicker materials or welds to detect internal flaws rather than surface cracks.

Thus, for the first line of defense in identifying cracks in sheet metal, visual inspection is the most straightforward and effective choice.