Abstract: The reliability prediction and damage tolerance analysis of aircraft struc-ures based on the principles of fracture mechanics require the knowledge of the ability of flaw detection. A statistical method for determining the flaw detection probability curve is developed and a test technique for obtaining independent flaw detection data is described in this paper. Based on these data and a formula proposed in this paper, the confidence lower limit of the flaw detection probability with the given confidence level for an arbitrary size of a sample and for an arbitrary value of the detection probability can be calculated merely with the help of the table of F-distribution. The presented formula occurs exact and simple in comparison with other approximate formulas proposed by some authors.As an example, the flaw detection probability curve with 95% confidence is given, which comes from the results of inspecting corner flaws at holes in 50 specimens. The specimens were made of steel 45 and the magnetic-particle technique was applied for non-distructive inspection.Finally, the simplified method for determining the flaw detection probability curve is also discussed.