Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:54 PM AWST

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Inspect aircraft structures

Inspect aircraft structures

Unit of competency
National Code
MEA401B
State Code
W8449
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
15/11/2010
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
03/05/2011
Field of Education
031503 - Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Original Release Date
03/05/2011
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit is part of the Aeroskills Structures Maintenance AME Certificate IV and of the Mechanical AME Certificate IV training pathways. It covers the competencies required for the inspection of fixed and rotary wing aircraft structures. Where a CASA licensing outcome is sought this unit forms part of the CASA requirement for the granting of the chosen B1 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence under CASR Part 66, in accordance with the licensing provisions in Section 3, Assessment Guidelines.
Notes
Elements and 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.
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.
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
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.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
W1147 MEA401A Inspect aircraft structures Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WC035 MEA401C Inspect aircraft structures Unit of competency