Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 15

equipment OEM is on the use and application of our products to
meet our customers' specific needs. We also work closely with
aircraft OEM training organizations and professional training
organizations such as Abaris Training.
Composite repair requires a great deal of tactile skills associated
with damage removal, taper sanding and other surface preparation
methods that are usually done with a high RPM angle grinder. It also
requires a great deal of knowledge about the constituent materials
(resin, fiber, core, etc.) in the structure, the fiber axial orientation
of each layer and a fundamental knowledge about vacuum bagging
and cure processes. This includes understanding thermocouple
placement and how to use hot-bond process equipment. These
skills take time to acquire and must be practiced to stay proficient.
"Training has evolved over time with the industry to use more
common and efficient repair methods and techniques (for example:
taper scarf vs step repair), noted Lou Dorworth, direct services
manager, Abaris Training. "A great deal of emphasis is placed on
teaching students the underlying fundamentals of composite materials and processes, reinforcing why a certain method or process is
prescribed in the repair instructions. This approach is far better
than just teaching a student how to do a repair. The best courses
are designed to promote the 'why' and practice the 'how' so the
technician or mechanic is inclined to follow best practices."
Dorworth says the deployment of large aircraft composite primary structures has shifted the discussion from a decade ago
where repairs to fairings and control surfaces were common, to
now where repairs might include highly-loaded fuselage and wing
structures. "Technically, the approach to repairs is the same, but on
a far greater scale and with flight critical consequences if a repair is
to fail," he explained. "As a result, there are far more process steps
and quality checks involved in the repairs and training is stepped
up to address these requirements."
Most companies have their own safety guidelines, but many of
the more common requirements can be taught in class, Dorworth
notes. Classroom discussion of the various routes of exposure, protection methods and composite specific concerns such as handling
solvents, resins, fibers and avoiding carbon splinters is all part of
the curriculum. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a fundamental part of composite repair training where gloves, shop-coats,
eye protection and dust masks are employed for protection from
exposure. Other hazard and safety awareness is brought to the
students as they encounter issues in the workshop. In general, it
boils down to promoting common sense.
When it comes to prepeg materials, Dorworth says they are much
better suited for high-performance applications and are often prescribed for repairs to primary structure. "A number of Abaris courses
use prepregs and hot bonder processes in their repair training,"
he noted. "Having said this, wet layup materials are still valid for
limited applications and we still teach students the proper methods
and techniques for achieving quality repairs." It is important to
note that the general aviation community uses a great deal of wet
layup for repairs that fall within the guidelines of the structural
repair manual. Abaris has a course specific to GA repairs.

S.E.A.L.
AVIATION
For Aircraft Parts

Global Aviation
Specialized Services
When it comes to aircraft parts,
inventory matters! That's why Seal
stocks a huge amount of aircraft parts
on site ready to go for installation in
your aircraft. This means your aircraft is
back in the air quickly instead of on the
tarmac waiting for parts.
A Large And Well Stocked Inventory
Uncommon Parts At Reasonable Prices
Quick Order Times On Rare Parts We
Do Not Have In Stock
Trained Parts Staff Always Ready To
Serve You
Competitive Pricing

A Veteran and Family Operated Company
www.sealaviation.com | sales@sealaviation.com

954-492-3522

AviationPros.com/company/12347192

www.AviationPros.com

http://www.sealaviation.com http://www.AviationPros.com/company/12347192 http://www.AviationPros.com

Aircraft Maintenance Technology

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aircraft Maintenance Technology