Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:55 AM AWST
22/07/2026 5:55 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 aircraft structural components
Fabricate aircraft structural components
Unit of competency
National Code
MEA402B
MEA402B
State Code
W8450
W8450
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
03/05/2011
Field of Education
031503 - Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Original Release Date
03/05/2011
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This unit is part of the Aeroskills Structures Maintenance Certificate IV training pathway. It covers the competencies required to fabricate aircraft structural components in accordance with specifications and drawings. No licensing requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Interpret specifications and organise materials
- 1.1. Specifications and drawings are interpreted to determine material requirements.
- 1.2. Procedure for fabricating component is determined in order to plan equipment use.
- 1.3. Material is correctly identified to meet specifications.
- 1.4. All materials and equipment are organised.
2. Prepare material and tooling
- 2.1. Dimensions are translated to material in accordance with specifications.
- 2.2. Cutting and forming equipment is 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 made ready for the appropriate processes.
- 2.5. Solution treatment of materials is carried out in accordance with approved procedures and specifications.
3. Form material
- 3.1. Appropriate forming procedure is determined which ensures specifications are met and the most suitable method selected.
- 3.2. Forming equipment is operated correctly and safely.
- 3.3. Hand forming is accurately carried out where necessary.
- 3.4. Material is formed to meet specifications.
4. Hand correction of fabricated components
- 4.1. Components are checked for irregularities and correction requirements determined.
- 4.2. Irregularities are removed to meet required dimensions and specifications.
5. Inspect components
- 5.1. Fabricated components are inspected to confirm dimensional accuracy and specifications are met.
- 5.2. Checking fixtures are used where appropriate to ensure requirements are met.
- 5.3. Components requiring special or further treatment are made ready for the appropriate processes.
- 5.4. Completed components are tagged or identified as required.
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.
Competency is to be assessed:
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 are to include:
bending, cutting, rolling, shrinking and stretching.
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.
Competency is to be assessed:
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 are to include:
bending, cutting, rolling, shrinking and stretching.
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 apply hand skills and use drawings, specifications and maintenance publications to fabricate aircraft 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 the broad range of structural fabrication techniques and their application to different materials used in aircraft manufacture will be required to supplement evidence of ability to fabricate 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 .
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 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 apply hand skills and use drawings, specifications and maintenance publications to fabricate aircraft 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 the broad range of structural fabrication techniques and their application to different materials used in aircraft manufacture will be required to supplement evidence of ability to fabricate 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 .
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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| W1148 | MEA402A | Fabricate aircraft structural components | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S749 | MEA40810 | Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Structures) | Qualification |
| W493 | MEA40807 | Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Structures) | Qualification |