What does the installation of zip cords aid in during aircraft maintenance?

The installation of zip cords is instrumental in supporting gap filler removal during aircraft maintenance. Gap fillers are essential for ensuring that different aircraft surfaces, particularly in low observable or stealth aircraft, maintain aerodynamic integrity and radar-absorbing qualities. When maintenance requires accessing areas that contain these gap fillers, zip cords facilitate the removal process, allowing for easier access without damaging the surrounding structures or materials.

Zip cords, which can be used to stabilize or support various components during maintenance operations, effectively aid in managing the precise handling of these materials. They often help in organizing wiring and ensuring that any removal processes do not induce unnecessary stress or damage to other elements of the aircraft. This ultimately leads to a more efficient maintenance workflow when addressing the gap fillers.

The other options, while relevant in different contexts within aircraft maintenance, do not directly relate to the specific function of zip cords in facilitating gap filler removal, which is the primary focus of the question.