During a water intrusion inspection, how long must water be allowed to drain before reopening compartment doors?

Allowing water to drain for 3-5 minutes during a water intrusion inspection is essential for ensuring that any moisture is adequately removed from the compartment before reopening the doors. This timeframe allows for a sufficient amount of water to escape, minimizing the risk of moisture retention, which can lead to corrosion and other damage to avionics and structural components.

Proper drainage is critical in aviation maintenance since even a small amount of lingering moisture can initiate corrosion processes, particularly in environments where humidity is high. An overly brief drainage period, such as 1-2 minutes, may not be adequate for thorough water removal, while a longer duration like 10-15 or 20-30 minutes could unnecessarily prolong the inspection process and delay any necessary repairs or maintenance tasks. Therefore, 3-5 minutes strikes a balance between effective drainage and operational efficiency, ensuring that compartments are safe to reopen without compromising the integrity of avionics systems.