The SAE Aero Design Technical Inspection process will be a little different in 2022. The competition has moved to a three-stage inspection system.
In the aerospace industry, a new aircraft is inspected in many ways before the first flight or entry into service. Aero Design wants to make sure each team's aircraft is safe, meets all technical requirements and is ready to perform when the competition begins for the Aero Design competitions.
The organizing committee is also working to reduce time needed to complete the final technical and safety inspections on the first day of competition. This has been particularly important due to the pandemic.
Three-stage System:
This year teams are required to complete a virtual inspection of their aircraft using the provided Virtual Inspection PowerPoint templates found online under Series Resources in the Technical Inspection Resources folder. Using these templates, teams will take clear pictures of each technical point asked for in the form, attach them, and submit the document online per required deadline. Aero Design inspectors will review each of the submissions and make notes of anything that is incorrect. The teams are contacted and asked to correct any items that do not pass the virtual inspection.
Just prior to traveling to the competition, teams will be required to complete and sign a copy of the Tech Inspection Checklist for their respective class. This is the same form used at the in-person inspection on Friday. The team's copy of the form is given to the technical and safety inspectors at the beginning of the final inspection. There is a column for the team to use while looking over their aircraft to check and mark off each line item. When a team signs the Statement of Compliance, they agree to provide this form correctly filled out and signed.
At the event, on Friday, there is an onsite inspection. This is primarily geared to safety, safety of flight and certain crucial competition items related to requirements and scoring. Volunteers will also inspect any items unresolved from the virtual inspection process. Volunteers will also spot check each aircraft to see if anything has been changed since the virtual inspection. After passing this final inspection step, passing aircraft are approved and ready to compete.
This process will help teams get through the final inspection process faster, as teams have several opportunities prior to arrival to make sure their aircraft are ready to compete.
The Aero Design Organizing Committee appreciates your help in making sure your aircraft is 100% rules compliant and ready to complete safely!
