Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:02 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.

Paint aircraft surfaces

Paint aircraft surfaces

Unit of competency
National Code
MEA415A
State Code
W8463
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
23/01/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
10/05/2012
Field of Education
031599 - Aerospace Engineering And Technology, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
10/05/2012
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit covers the competencies required to apply paint finishes to the surfaces of aircraft and aircraft components. 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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for painting
  • 1.1. The painting task is identified from maintenance documentation and enterprise procedures and type of substrate is identified
  • 1.2. Enterprise procedures and maintenance publications are used to identify required materials and tools and necessary items are assembled
  • 1.3. Aircraft or component identification is matched with relevant maintenance documentation
  • 1.4. Surfaces are prepared for application of paint in accordance with enterprise procedures and/or process specification
  • 1.5. Masking and barrier materials are applied as required by task
2. Apply primer
  • 2.1. OHS requirements are identified and complied with and PPE is checked for correct fit and function
  • 2.2. Temperature and humidity requirements are complied with
  • 2.3. Specified primer is applied in accordance with enterprise procedures and/or process specification
  • 2.4. Reject paintwork is identified and rectified in accordance with enterprise procedures and/or process specification
  • 2.5. Equipment is cleaned
3. Apply surface top coat
  • 3.1. OHS requirements are identified and complied with and PPE is checked for correct fit and function
  • 3.2. Temperature and humidity requirements are complied with
  • 3.3. The specified top coat material is prepared in accordance with manufacturer's instructions
  • 3.4. Top coat is applied in accordance with enterprise procedures and/or process specifications
  • 3.5. Reject paintwork is identified and rectified in accordance with enterprise procedures and/or process specifications
  • 3.6. Masking and barrier materials are removed and final finishing of the surface is completed, as required
  • 3.7. Documentation is completed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
4. Clean up work area and maintain equipment
  • 4.1. Waste material is removed and disposed of or stored in accordance with legislative, regulatory and enterprise procedures
  • 4.2. Equipment is cleaned in accordance with enterprise procedures or manufacturer's instructions
  • 4.3. Equipment is checked for serviceability and unserviceable items are dealt with in accordance with enterprise procedures
  • 4.4. Tools are cleaned and maintained in accordance with enterprise procedures
  • 4.5. Work area is cleaned and inspected for serviceable condition
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
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
Type of substrate
Type of substrate may be:
high strength steel
aluminium alloys
composite fibre
plastic
transparencies
magnesium alloy
fabric
wood
Required materials and tools
Required materials and tools may include:
epoxy primers
lacquer primers
acrylic top coats
polyurethane top coats
chemicals
masking and barrier materials
low pressure gun or touch-up gun
general purpose suction feed spray guns
airless spray units
electrostatic spray equipment
sanding/polishing equipment and materials
PPE
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
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
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 paint finishes to the surfaces of aircraft and aircraft components 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 paint application tasks associated with aircraft and aircraft components. It is essential that system testing procedures, 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 coating removal procedures and apply them in practice is critical.
Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to application of paint finishes is essential. This is to be demonstrated through application of paint finishes across a range of aircraft and component substrate types. 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 paint finish application 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 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
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AUD65 MEA415 Paint aircraft surfaces Unit of competency