What is a common method used to assess an aircraft's fuel system integrity?

Assessing an aircraft's fuel system integrity is crucial for safety and operational efficiency, and conducting a fuel leak detection test is a commonly employed method in this regard. This test involves pressurizing the fuel system and checking for any drops in pressure that could indicate a leak. Such leaks can lead to fuel loss, engine performance issues, and potential hazards.

A systematic leak detection test not only reveals the presence of leaks but also helps determine their locations, ensuring that necessary repairs can be made promptly to maintain the fuel system's integrity. This method is comprehensive and provides clear evidence of the system's functionality.

While visual inspection of fuel gauges, monitoring fuel consumption, and changing fuel filters regularly are important practices, they do not specifically assess the integrity of the fuel system as directly and effectively as a fuel leak detection test does. These other methods can help monitor performance and maintain the overall health of the fuel system, but they do not specifically target the detection of leaks or structural integrity issues.