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1. Inspection Levels

a. External Surveillance: A visual check along the Orbiter structural inspection guidelines that will detect obvious unsatisfactory conditions/discrepancies in externally visible structure. It may also include internal structure which is visible through access doors/panels. Workstands, ladders, etc., may be required to gain proximity. In TPS covered areas, removal of TPS is not required unless obvious unsatisfactory conditions exist.

NOTE: In TPS covered areas, anomalies immediately beneath the TPS may be evident by displacement or discoloration of the external surface.

b. Internal Surveillance: A visual check along the Orbiter structural inspection guidelines that will detect obvious unsatisfactory conditions/discrepancies in internal structure. This type of inspection applies to obscured structure and installations which require removal of fillets, fairings, access panels/doors, etc.

c. Detailed: An intensive visual check along the Orbiter structural inspection guidelines of a specified detail, assembly, or installation for evidence of structural irregularity. Use of adequate lighting and, where necessary, inspection aids such as mirrors, hand lens, etc. may be required. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.

d. Special Detailed: An intensive check of a specified location similar to the detailed inspection except that some special technique (i.e., non-destructive test technique, dye penetrant, eddy current, ultrasonic, high power magnification, borescope, etc.) and some disassembly may be required.

2. Inspection Intervals

a. Inspection intervals are specified in terms of number of flights and years in service. The inspection must be performed within the specified interval, whichever occurs first.

b. The inspection threshold is the interval assigned for the first inspection.

c. Inspection Phase-in Instructions: Space Shuttle Orbiter OV-102 may exceed the initial threshold specified for some inspection requirements. In such cases, the following general phase-in schedule has been adopted in order to minimize impact on the Space Shuttle Program schedules. However, the intent will be to schedule overdue items as close to threshold as possible rather than utilizing the full limit of the phase-in allowable.

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