What is the purpose of pressure testing in structural maintenance?

Pressure testing is a crucial method used in structural maintenance primarily to identify leaks and ensure the integrity of fuel and hydraulic systems. This testing involves applying pressure to components or systems to check for any potential failures, which can include leaks, cracks, or other forms of damage that could compromise operational safety and performance.

The integrity of fuel and hydraulic systems is essential because any leaks can lead to dangerous situations, including fires, system failures, or loss of control over aircraft systems. By conducting pressure tests, maintainers can effectively locate and rectify these issues before they lead to significant problems, thereby enhancing the overall safety and reliability of the aircraft.

In contrast, determining weight capacity and assessing thermal expansion are important aspects of structural maintenance, but they are not the primary focus of pressure testing. Validating repair techniques, while important, also falls outside the scope of what pressure testing is designed to assess.