Abstract: A method of inspecting aircraft for evidence of stress fracture and other external abnormalities comprising: (a) identifying an aircraft surface to be inspected; (b) determining if the surface to be inspected is visually impeded by a coating compound selected from the group of compounds including paint, topcoats, and primers; (c) if present removing all visually impeding compounds identified in (b); (d) inspect the aircraft surface identified in (a); (e) identify and procure adhesive tape patch with properties generally consistent to those demonstrated in 3M product 8681 HS Polyurethane Protective Tape; and, (f) applying the adhesive patch of (e) over the inspected aircraft surface.