This unit requires application of hand skills, knowledge of fabric covering systems and maintenance publications to inspect, test and repair aircraft fabric surfaces.

Applications include aircraft and aircraft components that are covered with fabric.

MEA101B

Interpret occupational health and safety practices in aviation maintenance

MEA103B

Plan and organise aviation maintenance work activities

MEA105B

Apply quality standards applicable to aviation maintenance processes

MEA107B

Interpret and use aviation maintenance industry manuals and specifications

MEA108B

Complete aviation maintenance industry documentation

MEA109B

Perform basic hand skills, standard trade practices and fundamentals in aviation maintenance

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Inspect/test aircraft fabric surfaces

1.1. Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including defect reports, where relevant, are used to identify specific inspection/testing requirements

1.2. Appropriate preparation and access to the aircraft structure is undertaken to allow for proper inspection in accordance with maintenance documentation

1.3. Aircraft fabric-covered surfaces are inspected/tested for signs of damage, deterioration or loss of tensile strength in accordance with maintenance documentation and approved procedures

1.4. Damage or deterioration is assessed against limits specified by maintenance manual or other approved data to determine if repair, restoration or replacement is required

2. Repair aircraft fabric surfaces

2.1. Extent of damage is correctly assessed to assist in determining repair procedure

2.2. Structure is supported and prepared in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual to ensure personal safety and freedom from damage

2.3. Appropriate repair scheme is identified in accordance with maintenance manual and/or approved data

2.4. All materials and equipment required are organised

2.5. Fabric repairs are performed, in accordance with approved repair scheme, ensuring that aircraft standard practices are used and process requirements are carried out

2.6. Work area is cleaned of all waste material or contaminants

2.7. Components are adjusted and/or re-balanced, where necessary, to operate within prescribed specifications

2.8. Required maintenance/repair documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

2.9. Where required repaired components or assemblies are tagged, sealed and packaged or cradled in accordance with specified procedures

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

applying relevant occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures, including the selection and use of personal protective equipment and material safety data sheets (MSDS)

using approved maintenance documentation and aircraft publications relating to aircraft fabric surfaces

testing the soundness of fabric surfaces

recognising and assessing fabric surface damage and deterioration

recognising defective doping

identifying and applying applicable repair and surface rejuvenation schemes

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

OHS hazards associated with fabric covering processes and how to obtain relevant MSDS and use personal protective equipment

regulatory requirements relating to the repair of fabric surfaces

industry publications relating to the repair of fabric surfaces

aircraft fabric surface covering and finishing materials and principles

fabric-covered component attachment methods

types of fabric and related characteristics

types of tape, cord and thread and their relative advantages and disadvantages

cements and finishing scheme materials, their characteristics, uses, storage requirements and related safety precautions

inspection and testing requirements for existing fabric coverings and new fabric prior to use

the criteria for fabric rejuvenation, repairs and repair methods, including the need for re-balancing of flight control surfaces after fabric rejuvenation or repair

the application of flight loads to fabric-covered surfaces, and related failure mechanisms

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to apply hand skills, knowledge of fabric surfaces and maintenance publications to inspect, test and repair aircraft fabric surfaces.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The underlying skills inherent in this unit should be transferable across a range of inspection and testing applications associated with maintenance of aircraft fabric surfaces. It is essential that the procedures take into account all aircraft and personal safety precautions, especially with regard to the use of finishing scheme materials.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing and repair of aircraft fabric surfaces is essential. This may be demonstrated through application across a range of aircraft fabric surfaces. Ability to interpret inspection, testing and repair procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical. The application of the procedures should also clearly indicate knowledge of structural flight loads.

A person cannot be assessed as competent until it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the workplace assessor that the relevant elements of the unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on all items in each of Groups 1 to 9, as listed in the Range Statement. This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement or, where appropriate, an equivalent Industry .

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency should be assessed in the work environment or simulated work environment using tools and equipment specified in maintenance documentation. It is also expected that general purpose tools and test equipment found in most routine situations would be used where appropriate.

Method of assessment

Guidance information for assessment

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Note

Range statements listed below are numbered to facilitate specification of the assessment requirements included in the Evidence Guide

Inspection and testing

Inspection/testing for:

1. Blockage of drainage and water and dirt collection points

2. Deterioration of finishing scheme

3. Deterioration of fabric tensile strength

4. Damage to inspection panels and zips

Repair

Repair of fabric surface:

5. By surface rejuvenation

6. By stitching

7. By unsewed doped-on repair

8. Correct application of finishing scheme

9. Recognition of requirement to re-balance fabric-covered control surfaces after rejuvenation or repair of fabric covering

Application of this unit may relate to:

scheduled or unscheduled maintenance

individual or team-related activities

Procedures and requirements

Refer to industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise

Unit sector

Aviation maintenance

This unit contains employability skills.