MEA420A
Fabricate basic structural components for aircraft

This unit of competency is part of the Aeroskills Structures Maintenance Certificate IV training pathway. It covers the competencies required to fabricate by hand and in accordance with specifications and drawings basic structural components for aircraft that are either flat or have only a single curve. The unit is used in workplaces that operate under the airworthiness regulatory systems of the ADF and CASA.

Application

This unit requires application of hand skills and the use of drawings, specifications and maintenance publications to fabricate basic structural components requiring hand forming only from aluminium alloys and steel alloys at various states of temper.

Applications include components for 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

Interpret specifications and organise materials

1.1

Specifications and drawings are used to determine material requirements

1.2

Equipment use is planned by determining the procedure for fabricating component

1.3

Material is correctly identified in accordance with specifications

1.4

All materials and equipment are organised

2

Prepare material and tooling

2.1

Dimensions to material are translated in accordance with specifications

2.2

Cutting and forming equipment are prepared and adjusted to ensure accuracy of fabrication

2.3

Material is cut according to specifications ensuring minimisation of wastage and maintenance of surplus material identification

2.4

Material requiring special treatment is prepared for the appropriate processes

2.5

Solution treatment of materials is carried out in accordance with approved procedures and specifications

3

Hand form material

3.1

Hand forming is accurately carried out ensuring that specifications are met

3.2

Formed components are checked for irregularities and correction requirements determined

3.3

Irregularities are removed to meet required dimensions and specifications

4

Inspect components

4.1

Fabricated components are inspected to confirm dimensional accuracy and specifications are met

4.2

Checking fixtures are used, where appropriate, to ensure requirements are met

4.3

Components requiring special or further treatment are prepared for the appropriate processes

4.4

Completed components are tagged or identified, as required

Required Skills

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

aircraft construction principles

causes of structural fatigue and preventative measures

structural corrosion and preventative measures

aircraft structural drawings and repair scheme drawings

material specifications for aluminium alloys and steel alloys used in aircraft structure

structural material identification by markings and numbering systems

material identification by chemical, electrical and mechanical methods

material storage requirements

hardware types and specifications

identification of hardware

sealants used in aircraft structure

chemical surface treatments

electroplating

paints and finishes

flat pattern development

OHS precautions associated with fabrication of aircraft structural components

MSDS

PPE

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

applying relevant OHS procedures, including the use of MSDS and relevant items of PPE

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

identifying various aircraft metals and their basic metallurgy properties by interpretation of markings, numbering systems or visual, chemical or mechanical means

handling and storing aircraft metals to industry standards

identifying aircraft structural assembly fasteners by interpretation of markings, numbering systems, size, shape and colour

fabrication of aircraft structural components and parts by:

correctly interpreting drawings (including third angle projection, isometric, sectional formats and hand sketches)

developing component flat pattern using basic drawing tools, geometric drawing processes, parallel, radial and triangulation methods, calculating and applying bend allowance/deduction/setback (an understanding of flat pattern development terminology is required)

using appropriate hand tools and machines for cutting and drilling

assembling component parts using appropriate hand and machine tools and standard aircraft fasteners to industry standards

applying appropriate metal heat treatment processes

applying appropriate metal surface treatments

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 apply hand skills and use drawings, specifications and maintenance publications to fabricate basic structural components from a range of aircraft metals 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 aircraft applications. It is essential that procedures take into account all safety precautions and quality requirements. Skill and knowledge application must include set back, bend allowance and other standard practices associated with forming of material.

Evidence of knowledge and skills associated with basic structural fabrication techniques and their application to different materials used in aircraft manufacture will be required to supplement evidence of ability to fabricate basic aircraft structural components.

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 structural fabrication 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 by aircraft maintenance manuals. It is 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


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.

Components

Components are to be fabricated

using materials comprising various types of sheet metal used in aircraft manufacture, including aluminium alloys and structural steel alloys across a range of temper

Machinery processes

Machinery processes are to include:

cutting, bending and drilling

Procedures and requirements

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


Sectors

Aviation maintenance


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.