What is inspection?
The stage that checks condition — looking, measuring and judging each asset against set criteria, then reporting what needs attention.
Inspection checks the condition and performance of AGL assets. Inspectors look at fixtures, signs, bases, cables and equipment, take simple measurements such as light output, alignment and torque, and compare what they find with set criteria.
Findings are graded, reported with their location and priority, and passed to maintenance. A defect is followed up until it is closed. Inspection repeats at set intervals and after events, and its records build the condition data that asset planning relies on. A missed inspection lets wear stay hidden until something fails.
- Plan. Set the scope and schedule, prepare checklists, and arrange access and permits.
- Look. Walk or drive the area and check visible condition, damage and dirt.
- Measure. Take simple readings such as light output, alignment, torque and seal condition.
- Judge. Compare findings with the criteria and grade them, prioritising by risk.
- Report. Record each defect with location, notes and photos, and pass it to maintenance.
- Follow up. Track the defect until it is closed, re-inspect where needed and keep the record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is inspection in airfield ground lighting?
The lifecycle stage that checks the condition and performance of AGL assets against set criteria. It combines visual checks and simple measurements, and its findings show what needs attention before it becomes a failure.
Q2How is inspection different from maintenance?
Inspection finds and reports the condition of an asset. Maintenance acts on it by servicing, repairing or replacing. The two work together: inspection findings tell maintenance what to do, and maintenance records tell inspection what to look at.
Q3What is checked during an inspection?
Typically fixture condition and cleanliness, damage, corrosion and water ingress, alignment and orientation, light output, signs and their legibility, base and cover condition, cables and connections, and the state of equipment such as regulators.
Q4How often are inspections carried out?
At intervals set by the aerodrome's maintenance programme, the regulator and manufacturer instructions, and more often where condition, traffic or past faults justify it. Some checks are daily, others periodic or after an event.
Q5Why compare findings with criteria?
So every inspector judges the same way. Set criteria turn an opinion such as 'looks worn' into a clear pass, watch or fail, which makes reports consistent and supports decisions about repair and renewal.
Q6What happens to defects found?
They are reported with their location and severity, prioritised by effect on safe operations, and passed to maintenance. The defect is followed up until it is closed, and the inspection record shows it.
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