This unit requires application of hand skills and maintenance documentation and manuals to inspect aircraft structure and identify damage and deterioration.

Applications include the structure of fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

MEA101B

Interpret occupational health and safety practices in aviation maintenance

MEA103B

Plan and organise aviation maintenance work activity

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 aircraft structure

1.1. Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including defect reports, where relevant, are used to identify specific inspection 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 structure is visually or physically checked for signs of deformation, defects or damage in accordance with maintenance documentation and approved procedures.

1.4. Damage or defects are assessed against damage or wear limits specified by structural repair manual or other approved data to determine if repair or replacement is required.

1.5. Maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

application of applicable OH&S procedures

the use of approved maintenance documentation and aircraft publications relating to aircraft structure

identifying various aircraft metals and their basic properties

identifying potential causes of structural failure

demonstrating appropriate cleaning procedures to enable structure inspection

demonstrating correct inspection procedures, in particular pressurised aircraft, in accordance with aircraft and procedures manuals

identifying damage to aircraft metallic (ferrous and non-ferrous) structures and/or components by way of:

impact

fatigue

corrosion

identifying the various forms of structural corrosion, stating the causes and structural effects of corrosion on aircraft

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

inspecting damage and assessing composite components/structures for:

impact damage

fatigue

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

aircraft construction principles

structural component attachment methods

describing the construction methods used in:

fuselage sections

wing sections

engine nacelles and mounts

windows and window frames

doors, locks and access panels in pressurised and unpressurised aircraft

defining of structural terms, ie failsafe, stress, strain, shear, cycles

describing non-destructive inspection methods and application of the various techniques

describing construction methods of, and assessing common defects in, aircraft plastic transparencies

describing basic constructional features of, and assessing common defects in, glass windscreens

defining the terms associated with composite materials

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 and use maintenance publications to prepare aircraft structure for inspection and identify structural damage and deterioration while applying all relevant safety precautions.

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 structural inspections associated with aircraft maintenance. It is essential that the procedures take into account all aircraft and personal safety precautions relating to aircraft structure.

Evidence is required of the ability to interpret and apply aircraft structural inspection requirements. This may be demonstrated through application across a range of structural components and materials. Ability to interpret inspection 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 at least one task from Group 1 and inspection of at least one item from each of Groups 2 to 6, 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 workplace or simulated workplace 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

The Range Statements below are numbered to facilitate specification of the assessment requirements included in the Evidence Guide.

Access to structure

Preparation and access may include:

1. Preparation for NDI (access to relevant structural zones and components)

Aircraft structure

The aircraft structure may include:

2. Non-ferrous and ferrous alloys and composites used in aircraft construction

3. Structural fastening

4. Attachment hardware and/or devices

5. Seals, sealants

6. Glass, moulded plastics

Inspection techniques

Inspection techniques may include visual inspection, physical checks, mensuration and alignment.

Application of this unit may relate to:

scheduled or unscheduled maintenance

individual or team related activities

Procedures and requirements

Refer to industry standards specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise.

Unit sector

Aviation maintenance

This unit contains employability skills.