This unit requires application of skills and knowledge relating to preparation and masking of aircraft and aircraft components for coating removal and the removal of coatings using chemical and mechanical methods.

Applications include fixed and rotary wing aircraft and aircraft components.

MEA101B

Interpret occupational health and safety practices in aviation maintenance

MEA103B

Plan and organise aviation maintenance work activity

MEA105C

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

1. Identify the appropriate coating removal method

1.1. The coating removal task is identified from maintenance documentation and enterprise procedures

1.2. Enterprise procedures and maintenance publications are used to identify materials and tools to be used for coating removal

1.3. Aircraft or component identification is matched with relevant maintenance documentation

2. Prepare for coating removal

2.1. OHS requirements are identified and complied with and PPE is checked for correct fit and function

2.2. Materials and tools required for coating removal are assembled

2.3. Appropriate preparation for access to the aircraft is undertaken

2.4. Masking requirements are determined using enterprise procedures and maintenance publications

2.5. Masking is applied to relevant areas and sensitive components

2.6. Environmental requirements are observed during the coating removal process

3. Remove coating

3.1. Chemical strippers are applied in accordance with relevant procedures

3.2. Mechanical coating removal is performed in accordance with enterprise procedures and maintenance manuals

3.3. Surfaces are cleaned of all chemical residue and mechanical media in accordance with enterprise procedures and maintenance manuals

3.4. Masking materials are removed and final cleaning of surfaces is performed

4. Clean up work area and maintain equipment

4.1. Material that can be reused is collected and correctly stored

4.2. Waste material is removed and disposed of or stored in accordance with legislative, regulatory and enterprise procedures

4.3. Equipment is cleaned in accordance with enterprise procedures or manufacturer's instructions

4.4. Equipment is checked for serviceability and unserviceable items are dealt with in accordance with enterprise procedures

4.5. Tools are cleaned and maintained in accordance with enterprise procedures

4.6. Work area is cleaned and inspected for serviceable condition

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

applying OHS procedures relating to coating removal, including the selection and correct use of PPE

selecting and applying masking and barrier materials

selecting and using chemical strippers

using MSDS

selecting and using applicable mechanical coating removal methods

cleaning of surfaces following coating removal

correctly disposing of waste materials

cleaning and maintaining equipment and tools

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

relevant enterprise procedures and maintenance publications

OHS procedures relating to the removal of aerospace coatings, including PPE and fume extraction

how to obtain MSDS

types of chemicals used for coating removal and methods of application

mechanical methods that can be used for coating removal

types of masking and barrier materials

cleaning methods following coating removal

environmental legislation and regulations relating to the storage, use and disposal of hazardous 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 remove surface coatings from aircraft and aircraft components in accordance with specified procedures while using the correct PPE and observing all relevant safety precautions and environmental protection processes.

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 coating removal tasks associated with aircraft and aircraft components. It is essential that system testing procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions, including the correct use of PPE, and application of environmental protection procedures are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret coating removal procedures and apply them in practice is critical.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to coating removal is essential. This is to be demonstrated through application of chemical and mechanical coating removal processes across a range of aircraft and component tasks. The work plan should take account of applicable safety and quality requirements in accordance with the industry and regulatory standards.

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 coating removal 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 workplace or simulated workplace using materials, tools and equipment specified in the maintenance manuals and applicable procedures. It is also expected that general and special purpose tools and ground support equipment 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.

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

OHS requirements

OHS requirements are identified from relevant:

state/territory/Commonwealth OHS legislation, regulations and codes

procedures manual

safety manual

work instructions

maintenance organisation manual

MSDS

Defence regulations and instructions

standing instructions

Materials and tools

Materials and tools may include:

masking tapes and barrier materials

chemicals

abrasives

grinders

scrapers

paint stripper application pumps

blasting equipment

cleaning material

Environmental requirements

Environmental requirements may relate to:

noise

dust

fume extraction

clean-up management

Legislative, regulatory and enterprise procedures

Legislative, regulatory and enterprise procedures may include:

state/territory/Commonwealth environmental legislation, regulations and codes for the storage and disposal of hazardous and toxic materials

MSDS

maintenance organisation manual

procedures manual

work instructions

relevant Defence regulations and instructions

standing instructions

This unit contains employability skills.