MEA414A
Remove light corrosion from aircraft

This unit covers the competencies required to remove light corrosion from the surfaces of aircraft structure. No licensing requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, but compliance with legislation and regulations governing handling and disposal of hazardous materials is included in the unit. This unit is used in workplaces that operate under the airworthiness regulatory systems of the ADF and CASA.

Application

This unit requires application of skills and knowledge relating to the removal of light corrosion from the surfaces of aircraft structure.

Applications include fixed and rotary wing aircraft.


Prerequisites

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


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Identify corrosion damage

1.1. Signs of corrosion are identified through visual inspection

1.2. The type of corrosion is identified

1.3. The severity of corrosion damage is determined and damage more severe than light surface corrosion is documented and reported in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

2. Remove light corrosion

2.1. The applicable corrosion removal method is selected in accordance with enterprise procedures

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

2.3. Materials and tools required for corrosion removal are assembled

2.4. Surface is prepared and corrosion removed using the selected removal method

3. Clean area and equipment

3.1. Surface is cleaned of all chemical residue and mechanical media, in accordance with enterprise procedures, ready for the next process

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

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

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

3.5. Documentation is completed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

Required Skills

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

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

recognising types of corrosion and damage that exceeds light surface corrosion

applying enterprise procedures for removal of light corrosion

selecting and using applicable corrosion removal methods, equipment and tools

using MSDS

cleaning surfaces following corrosion 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

how to obtain MSDS

types of chemicals used for corrosion removal and methods of application

mechanical methods that can be used for corrosion removal

cleaning methods following corrosion removal

environmental legislation and regulations relating to the storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials

Evidence Required

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 light corrosion from the surfaces of aircraft structure 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 tasks involving the removal of light corrosion damage from the surfaces of aircraft structure. It is essential that applicable processes, 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 corrosion removal procedures and apply them in practice is critical.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to the removal of light corrosion is essential. This is to be demonstrated through corrosion removal using mechanical, manual and chemical means across a range of aircraft 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 light corrosion removal tasks using applicable mechanical, manual and chemical removal methods 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 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


Range Statement

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

Signs of corrosion

Signs of corrosion may include:

surface deformed

paint blistered or flaked

powder

discolouration

Types of corrosion

The type of corrosion may be:

uniform etch

pitting

intergranular

exfoliation

filiform

galvanic

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:

micro grinder

sanders

plastic media blasting equipment

abrasive pads

wet/dry abrasive papers

chemicals

PPE applicable to task

Selected removal methods

Selected removal methods may include:

light mechanical using micro grinder, sander or plastic media blasting

manual removal using wet/dry abrasive papers or abrasive pads

chemical

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


Sectors

Aviation maintenance


Co-Requisites

Not applicable


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.