Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:28 AM AWST
22/07/2026 3:28 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.
Aircraft structure major disassembly and reassembly
Aircraft structure major disassembly and reassembly
Unit of competency
National Code
MEA423A
MEA423A
State Code
WC036
WC036
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
80
Description
This unit of competency is part of the Aeroskills Structures Maintenance Certificate IV training pathway. It covers the competencies required for major disassembly and reassembly of aircraft structure for the purposes, such as major repair or modification. 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 The procedure for assembly/disassembly of structure is determined in order to plan equipment use
- 1.2 Appropriate jigs, fixtures or bracing methods are selected to ensure maintenance of contour/structural integrity during disassembly/assembly operations
- 1.3 All components and equipment are organised
2 Prepare aircraft or sub-assembly for structural disassembly
- 2.1 Structure is supported with appropriate jigs, fixtures or bracing, as required
- 2.2 Structural components are removed, as required, to provide access
3 Disassemble aircraft structure or sub-assembly
- 3.1 Aircraft standard practices are applied in the removal of structural hardware and fasteners
- 3.2 Disassembled components are tagged, as required, to facilitate correct reassembly
4 Prepare components and tooling for assembly
- 4.1 Jigs and fixtures are set up to ensure accuracy of component assembly
- 4.2 Replacement component alignment is checked for conformance to specifications prior to fastener hole generation
- 4.3 Hole location/relocation is carried out in accordance with specification procedures and standard practices
- 4.4 Standard practices in hole generation sequencing are followed to ensure that assembly stress defects are not built in
- 4.5 Components are disassembled, cleaned, deburred and surface treatments applied prior to final assembly
5 Assemble aircraft structure or sub- assembly
- 5.1 Sealants and/or adhesives are selected and applied in accordance with assembly specifications or applicable documentation
- 5.2 Components are positioned and secured with appropriate temporary fastening devices for accurate assembly
- 5.3 Fasteners are selected and installed in accordance with assembly specifications or applicable manuals
6 Inspect completed assemblies
- 6.1 Assembled components are inspected to confirm dimensional accuracy and specifications are met
- 6.2 Checking or testing equipment is used, where appropriate, to ensure requirements are met
- 6.3 Aircraft mensuration is checked for compliance with applicable maintenance manuals, where necessary
- 6.4 Required documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise 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
The Range Statements below are numbered to facilitate specification of the assessment requirements included in the Evidence Guide.
Scope
The competency applies to:
1. Assembly of aircraft sub-assemblies or end items from detailed parts using jigs and fixtures
2. Disassembly and reassembly of aircraft structure, such as wings, tailplanes or fuselage sections, using trestling, jigs and fixtures
3. Replacement of major structural load carrying members, for example, skins, longerons, spars, frames and bulkheads
Assembly procedures
Assembly procedures will include:
drilling, reaming and counter-sinking
fitting of fasteners and rivets
application of adhesives and sealants
fitting of hardware
application of corrosion inhibitors and protective coatings
Assembly stress defects can refer to:
oil canning, buckling, contour misalignment and stress raisers
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
The Range Statements below are numbered to facilitate specification of the assessment requirements included in the Evidence Guide.
Scope
The competency applies to:
1. Assembly of aircraft sub-assemblies or end items from detailed parts using jigs and fixtures
2. Disassembly and reassembly of aircraft structure, such as wings, tailplanes or fuselage sections, using trestling, jigs and fixtures
3. Replacement of major structural load carrying members, for example, skins, longerons, spars, frames and bulkheads
Assembly procedures
Assembly procedures will include:
drilling, reaming and counter-sinking
fitting of fasteners and rivets
application of adhesives and sealants
fitting of hardware
application of corrosion inhibitors and protective coatings
Assembly stress defects can refer to:
oil canning, buckling, contour misalignment and stress raisers
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 and use maintenance publications, drawings and specifications and appropriate jigs, fixtures and tools to disassemble and reassemble aircraft structure 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 into other areas that require similar techniques. It is essential that procedures take into account all safety precautions and quality requirements, standards and practices, and processes associated with assembly.
Evidence of knowledge about repair techniques and the use of the standard repair manual in a range of different repair situations will be necessary to supplement evidence of ability to plan and undertake structure and component repair.
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 elements from each of Groups 1 to 3 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, using tools and equipment specified by aircraft maintenance manuals. It is also expected that general purpose tools and ground support 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 maintenance publications, drawings and specifications and appropriate jigs, fixtures and tools to disassemble and reassemble aircraft structure 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 into other areas that require similar techniques. It is essential that procedures take into account all safety precautions and quality requirements, standards and practices, and processes associated with assembly.
Evidence of knowledge about repair techniques and the use of the standard repair manual in a range of different repair situations will be necessary to supplement evidence of ability to plan and undertake structure and component repair.
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 elements from each of Groups 1 to 3 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, using tools and equipment specified by aircraft maintenance manuals. It is also expected that general purpose tools and ground support 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUG02 | MEA423 | Aircraft structure major disassembly and reassembly | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D749 | MEA41311 | Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Structures) | Qualification |