Definition
Located between the ribs of an aircraft structure. An intercostal is a short structural member fitted between two adjacent ribs to provide additional stiffness, support a fitting, or carry a localized load.
Plain English
A small piece of structure that sits between two ribs inside a wing or fuselage to add strength or support something attached at that spot.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft structure descriptions, repair drawings, and maintenance inspections of wings, fuselages, and control surfaces.
Derivation
From Latin 'inter' (between) and 'costa' (rib). The same root gives us the intercostal muscles between human ribs. In aircraft, it carries the same idea: a member that lives between ribs.
Why Pilots Care
A damaged intercostal can weaken the local structure it supports, so pilots may see the term in maintenance write-ups, repair approvals, or inspection notes after damage is found.
Intuition Check
Do not read intercostal as a main rib. In aircraft structure, it usually means a smaller member placed between larger structural members.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic installed an intercostal between the two wing ribs to reinforce the area where the fuel pump bracket was attached.
Example Sentence 2
Inspection revealed a cracked intercostal that required replacement before the next flight.