Definition
A shallow pan installed beneath an engine, accessory, or component to catch fluids that leak, drip, or weep from seals, fittings, or drains, preventing those fluids from contaminating other parts of the aircraft or falling onto the ground.
Plain English
A tray fitted under something that might leak, used to catch the drips so they don't go where they shouldn't.
Context Anchor
Seen during maintenance, oil draining, leak checks, fueling, and hangar storage.
Why Pilots Care
Early detection of fluid leaks helps prevent mechanical issues and keeps the ramp or hangar safe and uncontaminated.
Intuition Check
A drip pan is not just any household tray; in aviation it is used specifically to catch aircraft fluids like oil and fuel without creating slip hazards or environmental contamination.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic checked the drip pan under the engine and found fresh oil, indicating a possible seal leak.
Example Sentence 2
After the flight the pilot checked the drip pan and found fresh oil, prompting a closer inspection of the engine seals.