Definition
A mechanical test in which a measured tensile (pulling) force is applied to a fitting, fastener, splice, or connection to verify it can withstand a specified load without failing or slipping. Commonly used in aviation maintenance to confirm the integrity of swaged cable terminals, electrical wire crimps, and structural attachments.
Plain English
A check where you pull on something with a known amount of force to make sure it holds. If it stays put under that pull, it passes.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance after work such as attaching wire ends, checking fittings, or verifying that a repair is secure.
Why Pilots Care
Confirms that connections will not separate under vibration or flight loads, directly protecting electrical systems and structural integrity.
Intuition Check
A pull test is not just someone giving the part a quick tug. It uses a required amount of force so the result means something.
Example Sentence 1
After swaging the new cable terminal, the mechanic performed a pull test to verify it met the manufacturer's load specification.
Example Sentence 2
The repair shop conducted a pull test on the bonded doubler before releasing the aircraft from maintenance.