What should a technician do if they find discrepancies during inspections?

When a technician finds discrepancies during inspections, the appropriate course of action is to document the issues and report them. This practice is critical in the aviation industry as it ensures that any potential safety hazards, operational inefficiencies, or equipment malfunctions are formally recognized and addressed.

Thorough documentation provides a clear record of the findings, which is essential for traceability and accountability. This record can also be useful for maintenance logs, future inspections, and regulatory compliance, as it helps maintain the integrity of the aircraft's operational status. Reporting the discrepancies to a superior or maintenance management allows for proper assessment and determination of the necessary corrective actions.

This approach promotes a proactive maintenance culture that prioritizes safety and reliability, ultimately ensuring that the aircraft can operate safely. Ignoring small discrepancies can lead to larger, more significant problems down the line, while simulating a test flight without addressing the issues or proceeding to the next task without resolving them would compromise both safety and regulatory standards.