What action is taken if an air leak is detected during preflight checks?

When an air leak is detected during preflight checks, reporting it for immediate maintenance is critical. Air leaks can compromise the safety and efficiency of the aircraft’s systems, especially those that rely on pressurized air or cabin pressurization. Detecting a leak indicates that the integrity of the aircraft's systems may be compromised, which could lead to serious issues in flight, such as loss of cabin pressure or decreased engine performance.

Addressing the air leak promptly ensures that appropriate maintenance personnel can assess and rectify the situation before the flight, maintaining safety standards. Prioritizing this response aligns with protocols for aircraft safety and reliability, ensuring that any potential risks are mitigated before the aircraft is in operation.

The other potential actions, such as sealing the leaks with tape or ignoring the detected issue if pressure appears adequate, could lead to unsafe conditions. These responses do not address the root problem and could permit the aircraft to operate in an unsafe state. Proceeding with normal checks without addressing the leak completely disregards a significant safety concern that needs to be resolved.