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DTD Handbook

Handbook for Damage Tolerant Design


Section 1.3.7.2.1. In-Service Inspection Consideration

Since the design is intended to satisfy the Fail Safe Multiple Load Path category, an in-service inspection plan is required.  It is assumed that the lower surface will be periodically inspected in the field by a walk-around-visual-type examination, generally unaided.  The frequency of these inspections is approximately every ten flights.  In addition, the structure will undergo a depot level inspection at approximately ¼ design lifetime intervals of every 10,000 hours.  During manufacture, inspections by conventional methods will be conducted and a fracture control program will be instituted.