What type of inspection detects obvious defects like leaks, frayed cables, and cracks?

The correct choice for identifying obvious defects such as leaks, frayed cables, and cracks is a zonal inspection. A zonal inspection is systematic and focuses on specific areas or zones of a system or equipment. By examining distinct zones, inspectors can quickly identify visible defects and issues that could impact performance or safety. This type of inspection is often part of a regular maintenance routine and is designed to catch problems early before they escalate into more significant concerns.

While pre-flight inspections may also look for visible defects, they are typically more focused on immediate safety and usability for flight readiness, without the systematic in-depth examination across all zones. Functional checks assess whether systems operate correctly but do not emphasize spotting structural or physical defects directly. Annual inspections are comprehensive but may not have the targeted approach that zonal inspections provide for quickly pinpointing specific types of obvious defects.