What is one of the rules about fasteners in relation to the aircraft intake?

One of the critical rules regarding fasteners in relation to the aircraft intake is that there should be no two fasteners in a row. This guideline is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the aircraft and ensuring that any potential issues with fasteners do not compromise the operation or safety of the engine and air intake system. By spacing fasteners effectively, any stress concentrations or potential failure points are minimized, reducing the likelihood of fastener-related failures that could lead to larger, more serious issues during flight.

The design considerations take into account the flow of air into the engine, structural loads, and repairability, making this rule vital for aircraft maintenance and safety protocols. Implementing this rule helps create a balanced distribution of load and avoids creating weak points in the structure where failures might occur, which is particularly important in high-performance aircraft like the Super Hornet.