This unit requires application of hand skills, knowledge of fabric surfaces and maintenance publications to re-cover aircraft fabric surfaces.

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

1. Re-cover aircraft fabric surfaces

1.1. Required covering materials and methods are determined from maintenance manual and/or approved data

1.2. Required finishing scheme is determined from maintenance manual and/or approved data

1.3. Materials and equipment required are organised

1.4. Necessary structure and system inspection and preparation prior to covering is correctly performed

1.5. Fabric covering is correctly fabricated and attached to the structure

1.6. Drainage holes are correctly created

1.7. Applicable finishing scheme is correctly applied

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

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

1.10.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 OHS procedures, including the correct selection and use of MSDS and PPE

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

inspecting structural members, wiring, grommets and system components and initiation of any necessary repair or rectification action

fabricating and fitting fabric covering with appropriately placed inspection panels, zips and drainage holes

applying fabric finishing scheme ready for paint

recognising defective doping

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

OHS hazards and how to obtain and use relevant MSDS and PPE

regulatory requirements and industry publications relating to fabric covering of aircraft 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

fabric sewing techniques

application techniques for cements and finishing schemes

inspection and testing requirements for new fabric prior to use

the need for re-balancing of flight control surfaces after re-covering, finishing scheme application and painting

aircraft structure and system inspection requirements prior to re-covering with fabric

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

the methods and procedures used (including doping and finishing) in re-covering components, such as wings, fuselages and control surfaces

the requirements for the placement of inspection panels and zips, and for the creation of drainage holes

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 re-cover 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 re-covering applications associated with 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 re-covering of aircraft fabric surfaces is essential. This may be demonstrated through application across a range of aircraft fabric surfaces. Ability to interpret re-covering procedures and specifications 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 a representative range of fabric surface re-covering tasks. This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement or, where appropriate, an equivalent Industry Evidence Guide.

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.

Scope

This unit of competency applies to the re-covering of a fabric-covered surfaces and the correct application of the approved finishing scheme

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

MEA357A

Inspect, test and repair aircraft fabric surfaces

This unit contains employability skills.