Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:32 AM AWST
22/07/2026 5:32 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.
Fabricate basic structural components for aircraft
Fabricate basic structural components for aircraft
Unit of competency
National Code
MEA420A
MEA420A
State Code
WC011
WC011
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
10/05/2012
Field of Education
031503 - Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Original Release Date
10/05/2012
Nominal Hours
100
Description
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.
Notes
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
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
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
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
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
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUE69 | MEA420 | Fabricate basic structural components for aircraft | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D749 | MEA41311 | Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Structures) | Qualification |