Definition
A localized depression in the surface of a sheet metal part caused by impact or pressure, in which the metal has been deformed inward without being cracked, torn, or stretched beyond its original dimensions. Dents are classified as a form of structural damage and are evaluated against manufacturer limits for size, depth, location, and proximity to other damage to determine whether the part is airworthy, repairable, or must be replaced.
Plain English
A pushed-in spot on a metal surface where the metal has been bent inward but not torn or cracked. On an aircraft, it has to be measured and checked against limits in the manual to decide whether it's acceptable, can be fixed, or means the part has to be replaced.
Context Anchor
Seen during preflight inspections, post-flight walkarounds, and maintenance checks of aircraft skin, propellers, doors, covers, and control surfaces.
Derivation
From Middle English 'dent,' meaning a stroke or blow. The word originally referred to the impact itself, and over time came to mean the mark left behind by the impact. This matches the aviation use: a dent is the visible result of something striking or pressing on the metal.
Why Pilots Care
Dents can reduce structural strength, disrupt airflow, or hide cracks, requiring evaluation before flight.
Intuition Check
Do not assume a dent is only cosmetic. On an aircraft, where the dent is, how deep it is, and what part it is on can make it important.
Example Sentence 1
During preflight, the pilot found a small dent on the leading edge of the wing and had a mechanic measure it before flying.
Example Sentence 2
Maintenance assessed the dent on the propeller blade to decide if the blade needed replacement.