Inspecting Tile Inserts......

Fused silica threaded inserts and plugs are used in the Space Shuttle tiles to provide access for door removal or panel attachment. Today a coworker and I crammed under one of the main engines of Space Shuttle Atlantis to inspect the inserts on the tiles. We are inspecting the integrity of the insert to make sure it is sound for flight or that it doesn't need to be replaced/pull tested.
Fused silica insert and plug locations on Orbiter