What are the metal 'patches' on the skin of an aircraft (top face of wings)?

Question

There are 2 types - ones that are riveted on (repairs maybe?), and others that seem to have some type of screws (maintenance holes??? access points?) Most of the 's***w' ones are circular. Some of the 'patches' are on both wings, while others are on only one.

Answer 1

I kinda disagree with the two answers, simply because if they are maintenance access it should be on both wings in aircraft what is on the left wing is the exact duplicate in the right wing.

First of all, is it commercial plane or military plane? The only access that i know of, that is on top of the wing is the manual (gravity) refueling, where if normal refueling isn't available one must bring a 55gal. drum on top and use hand pump or gravity to pump fuel.

Answer 2

Inspection and maintenance access

Answer 3

They are to access lubrication points and access for maintenance.There are hydraulic lines that must be serviced periodically.

Answer 4

inspection/ maint. and on smaller aircraft if you see lots of screws on one panel on each wing, thats the whole fuel tank !

Answer 5

Any panels with screws are usually access points for inspections and or maintenance. This includes fuel pumps, hydraulic lines, connectors, fittings, etc.

Answer 6

On the tops of the wings, it's usually to access the fuel tanks in most pipers

Answer 7

The s***w-on ones are for access.

The riveted ones are sometimes known as "navy patches", a repair for damage area.