In the process of aircraft assembly

uneven gaps and steps will be formed at the seams of the aircraft skin. In addition

dents

cracks

corrosion and other defects will be produced in the skin during the service process. Due to these defects

the strength of the skin will be weakened and the carrying capacity will be reduced

which will eventually affect the aerodynamic performance of aircraft and endanger flight safety. The detection of aircraft skin defects accounted for a large proportion in aircraft maintenance

consequently it is crucial for aircraft safety. This paper introduced seven common defects of aircraft skin

and analyzed the causes

locations and hazards of these defects. On the basis of the location of these defects

the defects were divided into three categories

and the development status of various kinds of detection technology of skin defects was systematically described. The status quo of aircraft skin detection technology was summarized

and the development prospect of skin defect detection was prospected.