Gate 41The pre-flight walkaround
Why is someone circling the aircraft with a torch?
Before departure someone, often a pilot, a technician or both, does a walkaround: checking tyres, brakes, engine intakes, control surfaces, doors, sensors and any signs of damage or leaks.
The technician also reviews the aircraft's technical log for items needing attention. Some non-essential items may be inoperative under a controlled list (the Minimum Equipment List) with conditions. If something safety-critical is wrong, the aircraft doesn't go.
A little deeper
Maintenance falls into line checks (as here), routine heavier checks and unscheduled work. A qualified engineer signs a certificate to release the aircraft to service.
Procedures and inspection items are specific to each aircraft type.
See it in Gate 41, in the gate
Related questions
People involved
- Kenji WatanabeAircraft maintenance engineer
- Captain Imani OkaforCaptain (pilot in command)