What type of inspection is typically performed on aircraft after a certain number of flight hours or cycles?

Periodic inspections are a critical part of aircraft maintenance and are specifically designed to be performed after a defined number of flight hours or cycles. These inspections are essential to ensure that the aircraft remains safe and airworthy over time, as they allow for a thorough examination of various systems and components which may experience wear and tear due to flight operations.

The frequency of periodic inspections is determined by manufacturer guidelines and regulatory requirements, and these inspections typically involve checking critical aircraft systems such as the airframe, propulsion systems, and other essential components. By adhering to this inspection schedule, maintenance personnel can identify potential issues before they compromise the safety or functionality of the aircraft.

In contrast, pre-flight inspections are generally conducted before every flight to ensure that the aircraft is safe for takeoff, while visual inspections focus on the visual assessment of specific areas without the depth of examination seen in periodic inspections. A comprehensive inspection usually refers to a more extensive analysis that may not have the same flight hour or cycle-based scheduling criteria as periodic inspections. Thus, periodic inspections serve a unique and vital role in maintaining aerospace safety and performance over the operational life of the aircraft.