A Review on Quality Control and Inspection Strategies in Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry operates under extremely stringent safety and reliability requirements, where even minor defects can lead to severe consequences. As a result, effective quality control and inspection strategies play a vital role in ensuring the integrity and performance of aerospace components and systems. This paper presents a comprehensive review of conventional and advanced inspection methods used across aerospace manufacturing and maintenance processes. The study examines traditional inspection techniques such as visual and dimensional inspection, along with advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) methods including ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, eddy current testing, and magnetic particle inspection. These techniques enable accurate detection of both surface and internal defects without causing damage to critical components. In addition, statistical quality control (SQC) tools are discussed as essential approaches for monitoring process stability and improving product consistency through data-driven analysis. With the advancement of modern technologies, inspection systems have evolved to include automation, machine vision, robotics, and laser-based metrology, significantly enhancing speed, precision, and repeatability. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning has introduced intelligent inspection capabilities such as real-time defect detection, predictive maintenance, and automated decision-making. Despite these advancements, challenges such as high implementation costs, system complexity, and the need for skilled expertise continue to limit widespread adoption. This review also identifies existing research gaps and highlights future directions, including the use of digital twin technology and smart manufacturing systems. Overall, the paper provides a structured understanding of current practices and emerging trends in aerospace quality control, contributing to the development of more efficient, reliable, and scalable inspection strategies.