Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:41 AM AWST
22/07/2026 7:41 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, test and repair aircraft fabric surfaces
Inspect, test and repair aircraft fabric surfaces
Unit of competency
National Code
MEA357A
MEA357A
State Code
D4469
D4469
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/01/2012
Field of Education
031503 - Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Original Release Date
12/01/2012
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit of competency is part of the Mechanical Certificate IV (Aircraft Maintenance Stream) training pathway. It covers the competencies required to inspect, test and repair aircraft fabric surfaces.Where a CASA licensing outcome is sought this unit forms part of the CASA requirement for the granting of the applicable 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/test aircraft fabric surfaces
- 1.1. Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including defect reports, where relevant, are used to identify specific inspection/testing 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 fabric-covered surfaces are inspected/tested for signs of damage, deterioration or loss of tensile strength in accordance with maintenance documentation and approved procedures
- 1.4. Damage or deterioration is assessed against limits specified by maintenance manual or other approved data to determine if repair, restoration or replacement is required
2. Repair aircraft fabric surfaces
- 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 personal safety and freedom from damage
- 2.3. Appropriate repair scheme is identified in accordance with maintenance manual and/or approved data
- 2.4. All materials and equipment required are organised
- 2.5. Fabric repairs are performed, in accordance with approved repair scheme, ensuring that aircraft standard practices are used and process requirements are carried out
- 2.6. Work area is cleaned of all waste material or contaminants
- 2.7. Components are adjusted and/or re-balanced, where necessary, to operate within prescribed specifications
- 2.8. Required maintenance/repair documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
- 2.9. Where required, repaired components or assemblies are tagged, sealed and packaged or cradled in accordance with specified procedures
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
Inspection and testing
Inspection/testing for:
1. Blockage of drainage and water and dirt collection points
2. Deterioration of finishing scheme
3. Deterioration of fabric tensile strength
4. Damage to inspection panels and zips
Repair
Repair of fabric surface:
5. By surface rejuvenation
6. By stitching
7. By unsewed doped-on repair
8. Correct application of finishing scheme
9. Recognition of requirement to re-balance fabric-covered control surfaces after rejuvenation or repair of fabric covering
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
Note
Range statements listed below are numbered to facilitate specification of the assessment requirements included in the Evidence Guide
Inspection and testing
Inspection/testing for:
1. Blockage of drainage and water and dirt collection points
2. Deterioration of finishing scheme
3. Deterioration of fabric tensile strength
4. Damage to inspection panels and zips
Repair
Repair of fabric surface:
5. By surface rejuvenation
6. By stitching
7. By unsewed doped-on repair
8. Correct application of finishing scheme
9. Recognition of requirement to re-balance fabric-covered control surfaces after rejuvenation or repair of fabric covering
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
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, knowledge of fabric surfaces and maintenance publications to inspect, test and repair aircraft fabric surfaces.
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 and testing applications associated with maintenance of aircraft fabric surfaces. It is essential that the procedures take into account all aircraft and personal safety precautions, especially with regard to the use of finishing scheme materials.
Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing and repair of aircraft fabric surfaces is essential. This may be demonstrated through application across a range of aircraft fabric surfaces. Ability to interpret inspection, testing and repair 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 all items in each of Groups 1 to 9, 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 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 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
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to apply hand skills, knowledge of fabric surfaces and maintenance publications to inspect, test and repair aircraft fabric surfaces.
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 and testing applications associated with maintenance of aircraft fabric surfaces. It is essential that the procedures take into account all aircraft and personal safety precautions, especially with regard to the use of finishing scheme materials.
Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing and repair of aircraft fabric surfaces is essential. This may be demonstrated through application across a range of aircraft fabric surfaces. Ability to interpret inspection, testing and repair 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 all items in each of Groups 1 to 9, 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 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 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
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUF12 | MEA357 | Inspect, test and repair aircraft fabric surfaces | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D744 | MEA40711 | Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical) | Qualification |
| D741 | MEA30211 | Certificate III in Aeroskills (Mechatronics) | Qualification |
| D746 | MEA41011 | Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechatronics) | Qualification |