Tertiary lock system with locking verification system

A thrust reverser assembly, comprising:

• a lock member actuatable between a locked position, in which a load path of the lock member engages a movable component to prevent deployment of the thrust reverser, and an unlocked position, in which the lock member permits deployment of the movable component of the thrust reverser, the lock member comprising an element arranged such that at least a portion of the element extends into or through the load path of the lock member;
• and
• a locking verification system including a sensor module arranged for interrogating the element when the lock member is in the locked position, the locking verification system configured to:
• confirm that the tertiary lock system has been commanded to actuate the lock member into the locked position;
• instruct the sensor module to interrogate the element;
• and
• verify that the lock member is in the locked position and the load path is uncompromised in response to determining that the element is intact.

A method of verifying a condition of a lock member of a tertiary lock system for an aircraft thrust reverser, the lock member actuatable between a locked position, in which a load path of the lock member engages a movable component to prevent deployment of the thrust reverser, and an unlocked position, in which the lock member permits deployment of the movable component of the thrust reverser, wherein the lock member comprises an element arranged such that at least a portion of the element extends into or through the load path of the lock member, and a locking verification system provided that includes a sensor module arranged for interrogating the element when the lock member is in the locked position, the method comprising:

• confirming that the tertiary lock system has been commanded to actuate the lock member into the locked position;
• instructing the sensor module to interrogate the element;
• and
• verifying that the lock member is in the locked position and the load path is uncompromised in response to determining that the element is intact.