What type of damage would require an immediate inspection of an antenna cable?

Damage to an antenna cable that involves dents and kinks can significantly affect the cable's performance and integrity. These physical deformities can disrupt the signal transmission, leading to potential loss of communication or navigation capabilities. Kinks may cause the internal conductors to break or short-circuit, whereas dents can lead to weakened cable structures, making them susceptible to further damage or interference. An immediate inspection is essential to assess the extent of the damage and prevent any compromise in the aircraft's avionics systems that rely on reliable radio frequency communication.

While frequent use and moisture exposure may be relevant factors in overall maintenance and inspection schedules, they do not necessitate an immediate inspection in the same way that visible physical damage does. Changes in signal strength can indicate an issue but are often symptomatic of other problems and might not require immediate action unless tied to the clear physical damage to the cable itself. Thus, identifying visible damage like dents and kinks is critical for ensuring the safety and functionality of the aircraft's communication systems.