Definition
A magnetic sensor installed in the lubrication system of an engine, gearbox, or transmission that attracts and collects ferrous metal particles circulating in the oil. When enough metal accumulates, or when a single large fragment bridges two electrical contacts inside the detector, it completes a circuit and triggers a warning light or message in the cockpit, alerting the crew to possible internal wear or component failure.
Plain English
A small magnet sitting in the engine's oil that catches metal shavings. If too much metal builds up, a warning light comes on, telling the pilot something inside the engine is wearing down or breaking.
Context Anchor
Seen during engine oil system inspections, powerplant maintenance, and sometimes as a cockpit warning related to engine condition.
Derivation
Chip' here refers to the small flakes or shavings of metal that come off internal parts as they wear. 'Detector' simply means a device that finds something. Put together: a device that finds metal chips in the oil.
Why Pilots Care
Provides early warning of internal engine damage so maintenance can be performed before a failure occurs in flight.
Analogy
It is like a drain strainer that catches small pieces before they disappear, except this one is looking for metal particles in engine oil.
Intuition Check
Do not read “chip” as an electronic chip. In this term, a chip is a small piece or particle of metal from inside the engine.
Example Sentence 1
During the post-flight inspection, the technician removed the chip detector and found a small amount of metal fuzz, which was within acceptable limits.
Example Sentence 2
The chip detector light illuminated during cruise, prompting an immediate diversion to the nearest airport.