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Aviation vocabulary · Maintenance

Defect

Meaning in aviation, with examples

/ˈdiːfekt/nounCore term

In aviation, defect means: A fault in a part or system of an aircraft that must be recorded and then either repaired or formally deferred before the next flight.

In Turkish: arıza, kusur

How it is used

Crews report or 'write up' defects in the technical log; engineers rectify or defer them. A deferred defect is allowed under the MEL for a limited time. British engineers also say 'snag'.

Example sentences

  1. Please enter the defect in the technical log before you leave the aircraft.

  2. The defect was deferred under the MEL, so the flight can go ahead.

Common collocations

  • report a defect
  • rectify a defect
  • deferred defect
  • defect report
  • write up a defect
  • technical logThe official record kept on board in which crews write down defects and engineers record maintenance work, so the aircraft's condition is always documented.
  • MELMinimum equipment list: an approved document that shows which equipment may be inoperative for a flight to depart, under what conditions and for how long.
  • troubleshootTo look for the cause of a technical problem step by step and then fix it, usually by following the manufacturer's procedures.
  • line maintenanceRoutine checks and small repairs done at the airport between flights, such as daily checks, wheel changes and fixing minor defects, so the aircraft can keep flying.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Maintenance

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