During the aircraft walk around, what should be inspected on the exterior of the aircraft?

The inspection of damage, loose or missing fasteners, and the security of access doors/panels during the aircraft walk around is critical for ensuring the aircraft's airworthiness and operational safety. Conducting a thorough check for any signs of damage helps to identify potential issues that could affect the aircraft's performance or safety. Loose or missing fasteners can compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft, leading to malfunctions in various systems that rely on secure connections. Additionally, verifying that access doors and panels are properly secured is vital, as unsecured doors can pose serious safety risks during flight.

While monitoring fuel levels and battery status is essential for overall aircraft operation, these tasks are typically performed as part of pre-flight checks rather than the external walk-around inspection. Similarly, paint condition and aerodynamics might seem relevant but do not directly impact the immediate safety assessment during the walk around. Lastly, overall cleanliness and visibility are important for operational readiness and morale, but they do not have the same level of immediate safety implications as checking the structural integrity and fasteners. Therefore, focusing on damage assessment and fastener security is paramount during the walk around.