Google Links

Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare to undertake repair
   • Extent of damage is correctly assessed to assist in determining repair procedure
   • Appropriate repair scheme is identified in accordance with structural repair manual and/or approved data
   • Specialist advice is obtained in establishing an approved repair scheme where a standard repair scheme cannot be identified or damage is out of limits
   • All materials and equipment required are organised
2. Repair aircraft structure
   • Structural repairs are performed in accordance with approved repair scheme ensuring that aircraft standard practices are used and process requirements are carried out while observing all relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including the use of material safety data sheets (MSDS) and items of personal protective equipment (PPE)
   • Preventative maintenance techniques are employed to preserve the integrity of aircraft structure
   • Work area is cleaned of all waste material or contaminants
   • Required maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.
Damage or defects include:	Impact damage Fatigue cracking Corrosion Delamination of composites and bonded structures
Structural repairs include:	Removing corrosion by chemical and mechanical methods Restoring protective coatings Applying sealants and jointing compounds Freehand precision hole generation Removing and installing structural hardware and fastening devices Removing and replacing bushes, bearings and bearing surfaces Metal scab patch, flush, splice, lap and formed section repairs Composite external patch, scarf, stepped and bolted repairs
Specialist advice is obtained from:	Supervisors Specialist structures personnel
Maintenance documentation includes:	Servicing schedules Maintenance manuals
Procedures and requirements include:	Industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise

---

Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria under the specified conditions of assessment, and must include:

applying all relevant WHS procedures, including the selection and use of MSDS and applicable items of PPE

identifying damage to aircraft metallic (ferrous and non-ferrous) structures and/or components by way of impact, fatigue or the various types of corrosion

inspecting damage and assessing composite components/structures

identifying various aircraft metals and their basic properties

identifying composite materials used in aircraft construction, associated safety precautions and hazards

correctly interpreting repair scheme drawings, including third angle projection, isometric, sectional formats and hand sketches

using appropriate hand tools and machines, including riveting equipment, drilling equipment, aligning tools and material fasteners (grip pins)

applying correct removal, installation and repair techniques for:

a range of rivets (blind and solid) using hand, squeeze and pneumatic situations

a range of close tolerance fasteners (standard and oversize – hillocks and taper locks), including hole preparation

threaded devices, including internal and external thread cutting, Helicoil inserts and damaged stud replacement

hardware assembled by close tolerance fits using heat, cooling and force methods, including bearings, bushes and inserts

performing a range of metal structure and composite material repair techniques, including:

metal scab patch, flush, splice, lap and formed section repair

composite external patch, scarf, stepped and bolted repairs

metal to metal and metal to composite bonding

applying structural corrosion removal/treatment techniques

restoring aircraft structure sealing and surface finishes.

It is essential that the procedures take into account all aircraft and personal safety precautions relating to aircraft structure.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing and repair of aircraft structure is essential. This may be demonstrated through application across a number of aircraft structures or aircraft types. Ability to interpret inspection and repair procedures and specifications and apply them in practice is critical. The application of the procedures should also clearly indicate knowledge of structural flight loads and aerodynamic requirements.

---

Knowledge Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

applicable WHS procedures, including the use of PPE and MSDS

requirements for handling and storing aircraft metals and composite materials, including sealing agents, to industry standards

means of identifying aircraft structural assembly fasteners (metal and composite) by interpretation of markings, numbering systems, size, shape and colour

structural and non-structural component methods of attachment, faying surface treatment and fuel tank sealing

assessment of structural damage:

types and classes of mechanical damage

types of corrosion and determining the extent of damage

relevant documentation and manuals

damage limits and repair schemes for metallic and non-metallic structure

procedures for the fabrication and fitment of metal repairs:

scab patch

flush patch

splice

lap

formed section

corrosion removal and passivation

procedures for performing composite repairs:

external patch

scarf patch

stepped repairs

bolted repairs

repair of integral fuel tanks and sealing of faying surfaces, including specific WHS and PPE requirements

surface finishes and methods of restoration, including specific WHS and PPE requirements

how to obtain MSDS

relevant maintenance and structural repair manuals

relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures.

---