Section 9.0. Structural Repairs
The structural integrity of a force of operational aircraft is
primarily ensured by implementing the periodic inspection and maintenance
program defined in the Force Structural Maintenance (FSM) plan in the
associated technical order (T.O.)-3 repair and -36 inspection manuals. In
addition to this formal method of addressing known or potential cracking
problems, the structural integrity of individual aircraft is also ensured
through the timely identification of new cracking problems and by implementing
repairs that will return cracked structure to a safe operational
condition. This section is presented as
a supplement to the other sections and only
specifically addresses those guidelines applicable to ensuring that
adequate damage tolerance exists in structural repairs. Adequate damage tolerance implies that
cracks do not reduce the structure’s load carrying capability below a
predefined level throughout a required period of in-service usage.