Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:32 PM AWST
22/07/2026 11:32 PM 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, repair and maintain aircraft structures
Inspect, repair and maintain aircraft structures
Unit of competency
National Code
MEA339B
MEA339B
State Code
D4435
D4435
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/05/2011
Field of Education
031503 - Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Original Release Date
06/05/2011
Nominal Hours
140
Description
This unit is part of the Mechanical Certificate IV AME training pathway. It covers the competencies required to inspect, repair and maintain aircraft structure.The competency elements and performance criteria also cover a significant portion of those required for Unit MEA311B Inspect and repair/modify aircraft structures. 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 is 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.
2. Prepare to undertake repair
- 2.1. Extent of damage is correctly assessed to assist in determining repair procedure.
- 2.2. Appropriate repair scheme is identified in accordance with structural repair manual and/or approved data.
- 2.3. Specialist advice is obtained in establishing an approved repair scheme where a standard repair scheme cannot be identified or damage is out of limits.
- 2.4. All materials and equipment required are organised.
3. Repair and maintain aircraft structure
- 3.1. Structural repairs are performed, in accordance with approved repair scheme, ensuring that aircraft standard practices are used and process requirements are carried out.
- 3.2. Preventative maintenance techniques are employed to preserve the integrity of aircraft structure.
- 3.3. Work area is cleaned of all waste material or contaminants.
- 3.4. 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.
Inspection and repair of aircraft structure
Inspection of aircraft structure includes:
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.
Damage or defects may include:
7. Impact damage
8. Fatigue cracking
9. Corrosion
10. Delamination of composites and bonded structures
Structural repairs may include the following:
11. Remove corrosion by chemical and mechanical methods
12. Restore protective coatings
13. Apply sealants and jointing compounds
14. Freehand precision hole generation
15. Remove and install structural hardware and fastening devices
16. Remove and replace bushes, bearings and bearing surfaces
17. Metal scab patch, flush, splice, lap and formed section repair
18. Composite external patch, scarf and stepped repairs.
Specialist advice
Specialist advice is obtained from:
Supervisors
Specialist structures personnel
Documentation
Relevant maintenance documentation includes:
Servicing Schedules
Maintenance manuals
Applicable Defence regulations and instructions
Application
Application of this unit may relate to:
Scheduled or unscheduled maintenance including 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.
Inspection and repair of aircraft structure
Inspection of aircraft structure includes:
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.
Damage or defects may include:
7. Impact damage
8. Fatigue cracking
9. Corrosion
10. Delamination of composites and bonded structures
Structural repairs may include the following:
11. Remove corrosion by chemical and mechanical methods
12. Restore protective coatings
13. Apply sealants and jointing compounds
14. Freehand precision hole generation
15. Remove and install structural hardware and fastening devices
16. Remove and replace bushes, bearings and bearing surfaces
17. Metal scab patch, flush, splice, lap and formed section repair
18. Composite external patch, scarf and stepped repairs.
Specialist advice
Specialist advice is obtained from:
Supervisors
Specialist structures personnel
Documentation
Relevant maintenance documentation includes:
Servicing Schedules
Maintenance manuals
Applicable Defence regulations and instructions
Application
Application of this unit may relate to:
Scheduled or unscheduled maintenance including 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 inspect and maintain aircraft structure and perform a range of metal and composite structural repair tasks that are representative of the scope of the listed variables in accordance with relevant maintenance documentation while applying all relevant OH&S procedures and standard 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 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 across the variables in the Range Statement as follows:
Inspection and/or testing of at least one item from each of groups 1 to 6
Recognition of each type of damage 7 to 10
One repair task from each of groups 11 to 18
This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement.
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 inspect and maintain aircraft structure and perform a range of metal and composite structural repair tasks that are representative of the scope of the listed variables in accordance with relevant maintenance documentation while applying all relevant OH&S procedures and standard 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 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 across the variables in the Range Statement as follows:
Inspection and/or testing of at least one item from each of groups 1 to 6
Recognition of each type of damage 7 to 10
One repair task from each of groups 11 to 18
This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| W8437 | MEA339A | Inspect, repair and maintain aircraft structures | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WC019 | MEA339C | Inspect, repair and maintain aircraft structures | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S754 | MEA50210 | Diploma of Aeroskills (Mechanical) | Qualification |