Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:31 AM AWST
22/07/2026 4:31 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Inspect and repair/modify aircraft structures
Inspect and repair/modify aircraft structures
Unit of competency
National Code
MEA311C
MEA311C
State Code
D4427
D4427
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
14/12/2011
Field of Education
031503 - Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Original Release Date
14/12/2011
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit is part of the Mechanical Certificate IV AME training pathway. It covers the competencies required to inspect, repair and modify aircraft structure and structural components. Where a CASA licensing outcome is sought this unit forms part of the CASA requirement for the granting of the chosen 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.
2. Prepare to undertake repair.
- 2.1. Extent of damage is correctly assessed to assist in determining repair procedure.
- 2.2. Structure is supported and prepared in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual to ensure personnel safety and freedom from damage. Jigs, fixtures or bracing is used as required to maintain shape and/or alignment.
- 2.3. Appropriate modification or repair scheme is identified in accordance with structural repair manual and/or approved data.
- 2.4. Specialist advice is obtained in establishing an approved repair scheme where a standard repair scheme cannot be identified or where damage is beyond specified limits.
- 2.5. All materials and equipment required are organised
3. Repair/modify aircraft structure
- 3.1. Required maintenance/repair documentation is accurately completed and correctly processed.
- 3.2. Structural repairs/modifications are performed, in accordance with approved repair scheme, ensuring that aircraft standard practices are used and process requirements are carried out.
- 3.3. Work area is cleaned of all waste material or contaminants.
- 3.4. Required mensuration/alignment checks are completed and components are adjusted, where necessary, to operate within prescribed specifications.
- 3.5. Repaired components or assemblies are tagged, sealed and packaged or cradled in accordance with specified procedures, where required.
- 3.6. Required 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
Range statements listed below are numbered to facilitate specification of the assessment requirements included in the Evidence Guide.
Specific inspection requirements and repair tasks
Specific inspection requirements may cover:
1. Non-ferrous and ferrous alloys and composite (FRP) materials used in aircraft construction
2. Structural fastening and attachment hardware and/or devices
3. Seals, sealants
4. Glass, moulded plastics
5. Application of NDI techniques
6. Doors, hinges and locking mechanisms for damage/misalignment
Repair tasks may include:
7. Removing corrosion by chemical and mechanical methods
8. Restoring protective coatings
9. Applying sealants and jointing compounds
10. Freehand precision hole generation
11. Removing and installing structural hardware and fastening devices
12. Removing and replacing bushes, bearings and bearing surfaces
13. Removing and repairing damaged sections and reinstalling
14. Repairing by replacement major load-carrying structural members, ie skins, longerons, spars, frames, bulkheads
15. Minor repairs to non-metallic materials.
Inspection techniques
Inspection techniques may include:
Visual inspection
Physical checks
Mensuration and alignment.
Assembly stress defects
Assembly stress defects can refer to:
Oil canning
Buckling
Contour misalignment.
Application
Application of this unit may relate to:
Scheduled or unscheduled maintenance activities, and includes special inspections required after events such as heavy landings, overstress or flight through heavy turbulence
Individual or team related activities
Procedures and requirements
Refer to industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise
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
Range statements listed below are numbered to facilitate specification of the assessment requirements included in the Evidence Guide.
Specific inspection requirements and repair tasks
Specific inspection requirements may cover:
1. Non-ferrous and ferrous alloys and composite (FRP) materials used in aircraft construction
2. Structural fastening and attachment hardware and/or devices
3. Seals, sealants
4. Glass, moulded plastics
5. Application of NDI techniques
6. Doors, hinges and locking mechanisms for damage/misalignment
Repair tasks may include:
7. Removing corrosion by chemical and mechanical methods
8. Restoring protective coatings
9. Applying sealants and jointing compounds
10. Freehand precision hole generation
11. Removing and installing structural hardware and fastening devices
12. Removing and replacing bushes, bearings and bearing surfaces
13. Removing and repairing damaged sections and reinstalling
14. Repairing by replacement major load-carrying structural members, ie skins, longerons, spars, frames, bulkheads
15. Minor repairs to non-metallic materials.
Inspection techniques
Inspection techniques may include:
Visual inspection
Physical checks
Mensuration and alignment.
Assembly stress defects
Assembly stress defects can refer to:
Oil canning
Buckling
Contour misalignment.
Application
Application of this unit may relate to:
Scheduled or unscheduled maintenance activities, and includes special inspections required after events such as heavy landings, overstress or flight through heavy turbulence
Individual or team related activities
Procedures and requirements
Refer to industry standard procedures 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 use maintenance manuals, repair scheme drawings and applicable tools to inspect and repair/modify aircraft structure while observing 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 inspection, testing and repair applications associated with aircraft maintenance. It is essential that the procedures take into account all aircraft and personal safety precautions relating to aircraft structure.
Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing and repair of aircraft structure is essential. This may be demonstrated through application across a number of aircraft systems or aircraft types. Ability to interpret inspection and repair procedures and specifications and apply them in practice is critical. The application of the procedures should also clearly indicate knowledge of structural flight loads and aerodynamic requirements.
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 inspection task from each of Groups 1 to 6 and at least one repair task from each of Groups 7 to 15, 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 work environment or simulated work environment 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
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 use maintenance manuals, repair scheme drawings and applicable tools to inspect and repair/modify aircraft structure while observing 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 inspection, testing and repair applications associated with aircraft maintenance. It is essential that the procedures take into account all aircraft and personal safety precautions relating to aircraft structure.
Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing and repair of aircraft structure is essential. This may be demonstrated through application across a number of aircraft systems or aircraft types. Ability to interpret inspection and repair procedures and specifications and apply them in practice is critical. The application of the procedures should also clearly indicate knowledge of structural flight loads and aerodynamic requirements.
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 inspection task from each of Groups 1 to 6 and at least one repair task from each of Groups 7 to 15, 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 work environment or simulated work environment 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| W8410 | MEA311B | Inspect and repair/modify aircraft structures | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WC022 | MEA311D | Inspect and repair/modify aircraft structures | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W492 | MEA40707 | Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical) | Qualification |