Boeing 767 Exterior Inspection

WELCOME ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

BOEING 767 PILOT TRAINING COURSE STEP BY STEP

Exterior Inspection

Before each flight the captain, first officer, or maintenance crew must

verify that the airplane is satisfactory for flight.

Items at each location may be checked in any sequence.

Use the detailed inspection route below to check that:

• the surfaces and structures are clear, not damaged, not missing parts and there are no fluid leaks

• the tires are not too worn, not damaged, and there is no tread separation

• the gear struts are not fully compressed

• the engine inlets and tailpipes are clear, the access panels are secured, the exterior is not damaged, and the reversers are stowed

• the doors and access panels that are not in use are latched

• the probes, vents, and static ports are clear and not damaged

• the skin area adjacent to the pitot probes and static ports is not wrinkled

• the antennas are not damaged

• the light lenses are clean and not damaged For cold weather operations see the Supplementary Procedures.

Left Forward Fuselage — Probes, Sensors, Ports, Vents, Drains

Check includes:

Pitot probes (Captain & F/O)
- Covers removed
- No blockage, dents, or contamination
Static ports
- Clean, unobstructed
- No tape, dirt, or damage
Angle of Attack (AOA) sensors
- Move freely (if gently checked)
- No visible damage
Total Air Temperature (TAT) probe
- Intact and clean
Stall warning vane
- Free movement
- No binding
Drain masts / drain holes
- Clear of blockage
- No leakage stains indicating issues
Vents & outflow valves (forward fuselage area)
- No obstruction
- No structural damage
General condition
- No dents, cracks, loose fittings
- No fluid leaks or unusual residues

What you’re really verifying:
All air data system inputs and pressure sensing points are clean, undamaged, and unobstructed, ensuring accurate flight instrument readings.

Left Wing and Engine Area

The left wing and engine section of the Boeing 767 is a critical part of the external preflight inspection. This area combines aerodynamic surfaces, structural components, fuel systems, and engine elements that must all be verified for safety, integrity, and proper operation before flight.

Wing Leading Edge

The leading edge must be checked for:

Dents, cracks, or erosion
Bird strikes or foreign object damage (FOD)
A smooth and undamaged leading edge is essential for proper airflow and lift generation.

Upper Wing Surface

Inspect the upper surface for:

Structural damage or deformation
Loose or missing fasteners
Signs of fuel leaks (staining or discoloration)
This area also provides early indication of internal tank or seal issues.

Trailing Edge (Flaps and Slats)

Ensure:

Flaps and slats are in the correct position
No visible damage or misalignment
Hinges and tracks appear secure
These components are vital for lift augmentation during takeoff and landing.

Wing Tip and Navigation Light

Check for:

Physical damage
Secure installation
Proper condition of the navigation light cover
Lighting is essential for visibility and collision avoidance.

Engine Inlet

Inspect the engine intake for:

Foreign objects (FOD)
Damage to inlet lip
Clean and unobstructed airflow path
Even small debris can cause significant engine damage.

Engine Nacelle

Examine for:

Dents or structural damage
Open or unsecured panels
Oil or fluid leaks
The nacelle protects the engine and supports aerodynamic efficiency.

Pylon and Fairings

Check the pylon (engine mount) and fairings for:

Structural integrity
Loose fasteners
Evidence of leaks
This area transfers engine loads to the wing and must be in excellent condition.

Underwing Area

Inspect for:

Fluid leaks (fuel, oil, or hydraulic)
Damaged panels or missing fasteners
This area often reveals issues not visible from above.

Fuel Vent / Overflow

Verify:

Vent openings are clear
No blockage or contamination
No signs of fuel leakage
Proper venting is necessary to maintain tank pressure balance.

Main Landing Gear (Left)

Check:

Tire condition and inflation
Struts and shock absorbers
Brake assemblies
Gear doors and surrounding structure
Landing gear integrity is essential for safe ground operations.

General Condition

Throughout the inspection:

Ensure all panels are secure
Confirm absence of leaks
Look for any unusual wear, damage, or missing components

Summary

This section of the preflight inspection ensures that the wing structure, engine installation, and associated systems are free from damage, leaks, and obstructions. A thorough check here directly contributes to safe aircraft performance, efficient aerodynamics, and reliable engine operation.

Left Aft Fuselage & Empennage

The aft fuselage and empennage section of the Boeing 767 plays a vital role in aircraft stability, control, pressurization, and auxiliary power functions. A thorough inspection of this area ensures safe flight characteristics and proper system operation.

Vertical Stabilizer

Inspect the vertical stabilizer for:

Surface damage, dents, or cracks
Loose panels or fasteners
Signs of corrosion or fluid leaks

This structure provides directional stability and houses critical control systems.

Horizontal Stabilizer (Left)

Check for:

Proper alignment
Damage to leading and trailing edges
Secure panels and fasteners

The horizontal stabilizer is essential for pitch control and overall aircraft balance.

Tail Cone

Examine the tail cone area for:

Structural damage or cracks
Loose or missing panels
General condition of external surfaces

This section protects internal components and contributes to aerodynamic efficiency.

APU Exhaust

Inspect the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) exhaust for:

Excessive soot buildup
Oil residue or leaks
Structural damage

A clean and undamaged exhaust indicates proper APU operation.

Pressurization Outflow Valve

Verify:

Vent opening is clear and unobstructed
No signs of damage or contamination

This valve regulates cabin pressure and is critical for passenger comfort and safety.

Anti-Ice / Anti-Vane Probe (if installed)

Check:

Secure installation
No visible damage
No blockage or contamination

These probes contribute to accurate system sensing in varying atmospheric conditions.

Aft Position Light (Left)

Ensure:

Lens is intact and clean
Light is secure
No visible damage

This light supports aircraft visibility and situational awareness.

Drain Masts (Forward & Aft)

Inspect both drain masts for:

Blockages or contamination
Signs of fluid leakage (staining)

Proper drainage prevents accumulation of fluids and system malfunctions.

General Empennage Area

Perform an overall check:

Ensure all panels and fairings are secure
Look for hydraulic, fuel, or oil leaks
Check for dents, corrosion, or missing fasteners

Why This Area Matters

The empennage provides stability and control during all phases of flight, while the aft fuselage supports pressurization and auxiliary systems. Any damage, blockage, or leak in this section can directly impact aircraft handling and system reliability.

Summary

A careful inspection of the left aft fuselage and empennage ensures:

Stable and controlled flight performance
Proper pressurization
Reliable auxiliary power operation

Right Wing, Engine & Landing Gear

The right wing, engine, and landing gear area of the Boeing 767 is essential for lift, thrust, and ground operations. A detailed inspection ensures structural integrity, engine reliability, and safe taxi, takeoff, and landing performance.

Wing Tip & Navigation Light

Inspect for:

Damage or cracks
Secure attachment
Proper condition of the navigation light

This light is critical for visibility and aircraft position awareness.

Leading Edge

Check:

Dents, erosion, or surface damage
Evidence of bird strikes or debris impact

A smooth leading edge ensures proper airflow and aerodynamic efficiency.

Upper Wing Surface

Examine for:

Loose panels or fasteners
Fuel leaks (stains or discoloration)
Structural deformation

This area can reveal internal tank or sealing issues.

Trailing Edge

Inspect:

General condition
Security of panels and components

This includes the area supporting flaps and control surfaces.

Flaps & Slats

Verify:

Correct position
No visible damage
Tracks and hinges are secure

These devices are essential for lift during low-speed operations.

Pylon & Fairings

Check:

Structural integrity
Loose or missing fasteners
Signs of oil or fuel leaks

The pylon transfers engine loads to the wing and must be in excellent condition.

Engine Inlet

Inspect for:

Foreign Object Debris (FOD)
Damage to inlet lip
Clean, unobstructed airflow

Even minor debris can cause significant engine damage.

Engine Nacelle

Examine:

Dents, cracks, or panel damage
Secure access panels
Signs of oil or fluid leakage

The nacelle protects the engine and supports aerodynamic performance.

Underwing Area

Check for:

Fluid leaks (fuel, oil, hydraulic)
Loose panels or structural damage

This area often reveals leaks not visible elsewhere.

Fuel Vent / Overflow

Ensure:

Vent is clear and unobstructed
No leakage or contamination

Proper venting maintains correct fuel tank pressure.

Main Landing Gear (Right)

Inspect:

Tire condition and inflation
Struts and shock absorbers
Brake assemblies
Gear doors and linkages

This is critical for safe ground handling and landing.

Position Light (if installed)

Check:

Lens condition
Secure fitting
Proper operation

General Checks

Throughout the inspection:

Ensure all panels are secure
Check for any fluid leaks
Look for dents, cracks, corrosion, or missing fasteners
Verify all probes, vents, and drains are unobstructed

Why This Area Matters

The right wing and engine provide lift and thrust, while the landing gear ensures safe ground operations. Any issue in this area can directly impact aircraft performance, handling, and safety.

Summary

A thorough inspection of the right wing, engine, and landing gear ensures:

Reliable engine operation
Efficient aerodynamics
Safe taxi, takeoff, and landing

Nose, Nose Gear & Right Forward Fuselage

The nose section of the Boeing 767 contains critical flight deck components, air data sensors, and the nose landing gear. A detailed inspection of this area ensures accurate instrument readings, clear pilot visibility, and safe ground maneuvering.

Windshield

Inspect for:

Cracks, chips, or delamination
Cleanliness and clarity
Secure windshield wipers

Any defect here can affect visibility and structural integrity.

Pitot Probe (Captain Side)

Check:

No covers installed

Clean and unobstructed

No dents or damage

This probe provides essential airspeed data

Static Ports

Verify:

Clear of dirt, tape, or blockage
No contamination

These ports are critical for altitude and airspeed calculations.

Angle of Attack (AOA) Probe

Inspect:

Physical condition
Secure attachment
No contamination

Provides vital input for stall warning and flight control systems.

Total Air Temperature (TAT) Probe

Check:

Clean and undamaged
Secure installation

Ensures accurate temperature readings for performance calculations.

Stall Warning Vane

Verify:

Free movement
No binding or damage
Secure attachment

Essential for stall warning system functionality.

Forward Entry Door

Inspect:

External surface condition
Hinges, latches, and seals
Door properly closed and secured

Forward Cargo Door

Check:

Door skin for damage

Latches and seals

Proper closure and locking

Nose Gear Door

Inspect:

Structural condition
Secure hinges and fittings

Nose Landing Gear

Examine:

Tire condition and inflation
Shock strut (oleo) condition
Torque links and steering mechanism
Signs of hydraulic leaks

This gear is essential for taxi, steering, and landing loads.

Taxi Lights

Check:

Lens condition
Secure mounting
Proper operation

Provides illumination during ground movement.

General Area Checks

Ensure:

No foreign object debris (FOD)
No fluid leaks (hydraulic, fuel, oil)
All panels and fairings are secure
No dents, cracks, or corrosion
All probes, vents, and drains are clear

Why This Area Matters

The nose section integrates flight instruments, pilot visibility systems, and steering control. Any malfunction here can affect aircraft handling, navigation accuracy, and safety during both ground and flight operations.