Boeing 737 Exterior Inspection Guide

1. Foreword
This document is for training purpose and guidance only. In the event of a conflict, procedures and instructions in the
FCOM always supersede this document. Guidelines in this document produced from the Exterior Inspection section of
the FCOM and Operations Manual Part-A.
For Boeing 737 Exterior Inspection Video, click HERE.

2. General
The Commander shall ensure that the preflight inspection has been performed prior to each flight to ensure that the
airplane is classified airworthy for the intended flight.
Exterior inspection of an airplane shall be conducted by a flight crew member. Maintenance staff walk-around shall not
be acceptable for the purposes of meeting the requirements of the preflight inspection. The First Officer may perform
the exterior inspection on behalf of the designated commander. Note that the exterior inspection is under the
responsibility of the commander.

3. Checking AML
Prior to exterior inspection flight crew shall review of the AML for defect write-ups, MEL or CDL deferred items.

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Ensure that the daily check and if necessary ETOPS Pre-departure Service Check has been performed and signed by the
maintenance personnel.

Check the Deferred Items List for any defects. Deferred items and hold items shall be evaluated and taken into account
according to MEL or CDL.

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Structural Damage Record file shall be checked for any defects. Damage list shall be checked, any damage or dent shall
be controlled during exterior inspection.

4. Exterior Inspection
Flight crew members shall use the fluorescent jackets or raincoats for conducting the exterior inspection or for any
other duties required on the ramp area.

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Inspection route shall be followed during exterior inspection.

Flight crew should pay particular attention to static ports during exterior inspection when the airplane has been subject
to freezing precipitation. Clear ice on the static ports can be difficult to detect. If in doubt contact with maintenance for
assistance.

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During exterior inspection at airports in the European Union, all access panel doors which can be opened without the
use of ladders, wrenches must be opened and checked for security purposes.

Engine Number 1

Engine Number 2

Water Service Panel

For cold weather operations, check the Adverse Weather Section of the Supplementary Procedures in the Flight Crew
Operations Manual.

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4.1. Left Forward Fuselage

Begin your exterior inspection on the left forward side of the fuselage.
First check the condition of left forward fuselage.
Examine the Captain Pitot Probe, Temperature Probe, Alpha Vane and if installed Ice Detector Probe.

Captain Pitot Probe

Alpha Vane

Temperature Probe
Ice Detector Probe

4.2. Nose
Look for the visible damage on the skin. Check the condition of Radome, the Lightning Conductor Straps and the
Nose Vortex Generators. Verify that windows are clear and undamaged.

Nose Vortex Generators

Lightning Conductor Straps

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Confirm that the Forward Electrical and Electronic Equipment Access Door is secured and closed.

4.3. Nose Wheel Well

Check the condition of Nose Wheel Well. Verify that the wheel chocks are in place as needed.

Check the Snubbers are in place.

Snubbers

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Examine the Hydraulic Lines for fluid leaks. Make sure the Gear Lock Pin is removed and not installed.

Gear Lock Pin Removed

Check the condition of the Nose Wheel Steering Assembly and Gear Strut indicating proper extension. Note that two
inches of polished area of the strut should be visible.
If installed, see that the Taxi Light is clean and unbroken.
Check the Nose Gear Steering Lockout Pin if installed.

Nose Wheel Steering

Assembly

Nose Geer Steering

Lockout Pin Removed

Gear Strut Taxi Light

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Check the condition of Tires and Wheels. Verify Nose Wheel Doors are secured and not damaged.

4.4. Right Forward Fuselage

Check the First Officer and Auxiliary Pitot Probe, and Alpha Vane.

First Officer Pitot Probe

Auxiliary Pitot Probe

Alpha Vane

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Verify that the First Officer Window Escape Handle is flush and External Power Receptacle Door is closed if not in
use.
Check the condition of Forward Service Door. It should be closed and locked if not in use.
Confirm that the Oxygen Pressure Relief Green Disc is in place and intact.

First Officer Window

Escape Handle

Forward Service Door

External Power
Receptacle Door
Oxygen Pressure Relief
Green Disc

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4.5. Right Wing Root, Pack, and Lower Fuselage

Check the Equipment Compartment Access Door is closed.

Check the condition of antennas.

TCAS Antenna ATC Antenna

Radio Altimeter Antennas VHF 3 Antenna

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Verify that the E and E Compartment Outflow Valve is clear and unobstructed.

Verify the Forward Cargo Door is closed and locked if not in use.
Confirm that the Static Ports are smooth and clean.

Static Port

Forward Cargo Door

Static Port

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Check the Ram Air Deflector Door. It should be clear, undamaged and in extended position.
Verify Ground Pneumatic Access Door is closed and secured. Drain Mast is free of damage.
If installed, verify the Retractable Landing Light is retracted and secured.

Ram Air Deflector Door

Ground Pneumatic
Access Door

Retractable Landing Light

Drain Mast

Check the Runway Turnoff Lights, Landing Lights and if installed Taxi Light clean and unbroken.
The inboard Leading Edge Flaps are clean and undamaged.

Leading Edge Flaps

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4.6. Number 2 Engine

Examine the Engine Strut, it should be undamaged.
Vortex Generator is in place.
All access panels are closed and latched.
Thrust Reverser must be stowed.
Look for any evidence of fluid leak below the engine.

Vortex Generator Strut

IDG Oil Access Door

Inlet Cowl Fan Cowl Thrust Reverser Cowl

Inspect the Fan Blades, Spinner and Temperature Probe for any damage and obstruction.

Temperature Probe Spinner

Blades

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Inspect the condition of outer side of the engine and Engine Strut.
All access panels are closed and latched.
Examine the lower surface of the engine for any damage. Fan Cowl Latches are closed and latched.

Engine Oil Access

Door

Check that the Engine Exhaust Area clear and undamaged. Inspect the area for oil, metal particles or damage to the
turbine blades.

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Check the Black Indicator Strips to verify proper stowage of the left and right thrust reverser sleeve.

4.7. Right Wing and Leading Edge

Check the condition of Leading Edge Slats. They should be clean and undamaged.

Leading Edge Slats

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Check the Refueling Station Panel. Confirm that is closed and latched.
Check that the lower surface wing Fuel Tank Access Panels are secured and there is no fluid leak.

Refueling Station Panel Defueling Station Panel

Check that the lower surface wing Fuel Tank Access Panels are secured and there is no fluid leak.
Make sure all Fuel Measuring Sticks are locked and flush.

Fuel Tank Access Panel

Fuel Measuring Stick

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Check the condition of Fuel Tank Pressure Relief and Vent.

Fuel Tank Pressure Relief and Vent

4.8. Right Wing Tip and Trailing Edge

Inspect the condition of Position and Strobe Lights.

Strobe Light
Position Light (Green)

Position Light (White)

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Check the Static Discharge Wicks and Aileron.

Static Discharge Wicks

Aileron

It is a good position to check the general condition of Right Aft Fuselage and Tail.

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Check the Trailing Edge Flaps and Fairings.

Fairings

Trailing Edge Flaps

4.9. Right Main Gear

Check the Wheels and Tires for any damage or excessive wear. Verify that the wheel chocks are in place as needed.

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Look at the length to remaining on the Brake Wear Indicator Pins for each wheel. Remember, the parking brake must
be set when checking the brake wear indicators.
On Gear Strut, polished area should be visible indicating proper extension. It should not be fully compressed. Note
that at least two inches of polished area of the strut should be visible.

Gear Strut

Brake Wear Indicator Pin Brake Wear Indicator Pin

Check the outer side of the main landing gear and make sure that the Door is in good condition and undamaged.

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Check the Hydraulic Lines for fluid leaks and damage. And the Main Gear Hydraulic Actuator shows no signs of leaks.

Make sure the Gear Lock Pin is removed.

Gear Lock Pin Removed

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4.10. Right Main Wheel Well

Confirm that the Wheel Well area is clear, not damaged, not missing parts and there are no fluid leaks.

In the Right Main Wheel Well, check that the APU FIRE CONTROL handle is in the UP position.
Check the Nitrogen Generator System indicator light and verify that the light is green.

APU FIRE CONTROL Handle

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4.11. Right Aft Fuselage

Verify that the Aft Cargo Door is closed and locked if not in use.

VHF 2 Antenna Aft Cargo Door

Check that the Aft Service Door is closed and locked if not in use.
Water Service Panel should be closed and latched.
Verify that the Negative Pressure Relief Door is closed and flush.
Check the condition of Pressure Relief Vanes, Outflow Valve and the APU Air Inlet. There should be no visible sign of
damage.
Check the condition of Drain Mast.

APU Air Inlet Aft Service Door

Negative Pressure
Relief Door
Pressure Relief Vane

Outflow Valve Water Service Panel

Drain Mast Pressure Relief Vane

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4.12. Tail
Look at the Vertical Stabilizer. It should be clear and free of damage.
Verify that the Right Elevator Feel Pitot Probe is in place and not damaged.
Check the condition of Static Discharge Wicks on top of the vertical stabilizer. They are in place and not missing.
Check the condition of Static Discharge Wicks. Inspect the Leading Edge of the Horizontal Stabilizer and the condition
of Elevator. They should be clear and undamaged.

Right Elevator Pitot Probe

Static Discharge Wicks

Static Discharge Wicks

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Examine the condition of Rudder. It should be clear and free of damage.

Rudder

Check the condition of APU Cooling Air Inlet and Exhaust Outlet. Confirm that there are no fluid leaks and not
obstructed.
Inspect the condition of Strobe Light.
Verify APU Access Door is closed and latched.

Strobe Light
APU Cooling Air Inlet
and Exhaust Outlet

APU Access Door

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Inspect the condition of Elevator, Static Discharge Wicks and the Leading Edge of the Horizontal Stabilizer. They
should be clear, undamaged and not missing parts.
Look at the Vertical Stabilizer. It should be clear and free of damage.
Verify that the Left Elevator Feel Pitot Probe is in place and not damaged. All access panels are closed and latched.

Check the condition of Tail Skid. Verify that the tail skid is not damaged. If installed, verify that the tail skid is in the
retracted position.
Note that the tail skid Skirt fairing may be re-extended after the tail strike due to gravity as time passes resulting in a
reading error on the Warning Placard Decal. Therefore, not only the green and red warning decals of the tail skid but
also possible damages at Shoe and Skirt areas must be carefully checked during the inspection. If any damage is
observed, AML recording shall be made and maintenance shall be notified.

Fairing
Warning Placard Decal

Shoe
Skirt

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4.13. Left Aft Fuselage

Aft Entry Door should be closed with handle flush if not in use.

Check the lower side of the fuselage. There should be no sign of fluid leakage. All doors and access panels should be
closed and locked if not in use.

APU Shroud and

Hydraulic Drain Toilet Service Door

VHF 2 Antenna

Ram air exhaust area should be clear and unobstructed.

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Confirm that all ports, vents and drains are clear.

Check the condition of Anti-Collision Light. It should be clear and unbroken.

Anti-Collistion Light

4.14. Left Main Gear

Inspect the Left Main Gear.
Check the Wheels and Tires for any damage or excessive wear. Verify that the wheel chocks are in place as needed.
Make sure the Gear Lock Pin is removed. Check the Hydraulic Lines for fluid leaks and damage.
Look at the length to remaining on the Brake Wear Indicator Pins for each wheel. Remember, the parking brake must
be set when checking the brake wear indicators.
On Gear Strut, polished area should be visible indicating proper extension. It should not be fully compressed.

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4.15. Left Main Wheel Well

Confirm that the Wheel Well area is clear, not damaged, not missing parts and there are no fluid leaks.
Check the pressure of Engine Fire Bottle.

4.16. Left Wing Tip and Trailing Edge

Check the Trailing Edge Flaps and Fairings.

Check the condition of the Aileron and Static Discharge Wicks. Inspect the condition of Position and Strobe Lights.

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4.17. Left Wing and Leading Edge

Check the condition of Leading Edge Slats. They should be clean and undamaged.
Check that the lower surface wing Fuel Tank Access Panels are secured and there is no fluid leak.
Make sure all Fuel Measuring Sticks are locked and flush.

4.18. Number 1 Engine

For the Number 1 Engine, follow the same procedures as for Number 2 Engine.
Examine the Engine Strut, it should be undamaged. And all access panels are closed and latched.
Thrust Reverser must be stowed.
Look for any evidence of fluid leak below the engine.

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Inspect the Fan Blades, Spinner and Temperature Probe for any damage and obstruction.

Inspect the condition of inner side of the engine and Engine Strut. All access panels are closed and latched.
Verify that the Vortex Generator is in place.
Examine the lower surface of the engine for any damage. Fan cowl latches are closed and latched.

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Check that the Engine Exhaust Area clear and undamaged. Inspect the area for oil, metal particles or damage to the
turbine blades.
Check the Black Indicator Strips to verify proper stowage of the left and right thrust reverser sleeve.

4.19. Left Wing Root, Pack, and Lower Fuselage

The left under wing surface should be undamaged. Verify Ground Service Air Conditioning Access Door is closed and
secured. If installed, verify the Retractable Landing Light is retracted and secured. Check the Ram Air Deflector Door.
It should be clear, undamaged and in extended position.
Check the Runway Turnoff Lights, Landing Lights and if installed Taxi Light clean and unbroken.
The inboard Leading Edge Flaps are clean and undamaged.

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Confirm that the Static Ports are smooth and clean.

4.20. Completing Exterior Inspection

Throughout the exterior inspection, you are observing the condition of the airplane and checking for damage. The
components of airplane are acceptable if there are no visual indications or problems that requires a more thorough
inspection by the maintenance personnel.
Upon completion of the exterior inspection requirements, any found defect shall be recorded in the AML.
A thorough exterior inspection is an essential part of the preparation for a safe and successful flight.

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