Evaluation of the visual environment in aircraft inspection

Aircraft inspection is still primarily a visual activity, thus the accuracy and efficiency of this visual inspection is ultimately determined by the adequacy of the visual environment. Based upon site visits to various commercial aircraft sites, the existing visual environment in aircraft inspection has been found to be generally inadequate. This study demonstrates a procedure which can be utilized to assist in selecting the appropriate lighting equipment for aircraft tasks. An evaluation was undertaken at a single commercial aircraft maintenance facility which included task analyses of typical inspection jobs combined with photometric evaluations of the ambient and task lighting. Portable and personal lighting sources were sampled and evaluated in the laboratory and on the hangar floor for both photometric performance and ease of use. In addition, inspector perceptions were collected from four facilities to obtain a wider base for comments and concerns related to the personal and portable lighting and the visual environment. Recommendations are made based upon the task demands, visual requirements, and other selected lighting considerations.