What type of magnifying glass is recommended for inspecting for corrosion during general inspection procedures?

A 10x magnifying glass is recommended for inspecting corrosion during general inspection procedures because it provides an optimal balance between magnification and field of view. This level of magnification allows inspectors to clearly see details such as surface roughness, paint cracks, and the beginnings of corrosion that may not be visible to the naked eye. Additionally, with 10x magnification, the inspector can maintain a reasonable working distance from the surface, thus making it easier to maneuver the tool while still sufficiently observing the area of concern.

Higher magnifications, like 15x or 20x, while capable of revealing finer details, can restrict the field of view and make it more difficult to scan larger areas effectively. This can be cumbersome during general inspections where scanning larger sections of a component is often necessary. Furthermore, a lower magnification like 5x may not expose enough detail to identify early signs of corrosion, potentially leading to missed issues that could compromise the integrity of the structure. Therefore, 10x is widely accepted as the most practical choice for effective corrosion inspection in avionics.