Structures Technician – Fabrication – A Guide to Aircraft Structures
Aircraft structure technicians are skilled professionals who have the responsibility of fabricating repairing and maintaining structural components of aircraft. This encompasses a range of tasks including working with sheet metal and composites as well as engaging in welding and riveting activities.
Examples of common fabrication tasks for an aircraft structure technician:
- Sheet metal fabrication: This involves shaping sheet metal into the required forms for aircraft parts by cutting, bending, and forming. Technicians employ tools and techniques such as shears, brakes, rolls and formers to accomplish this.
- Composite fabrication: This entails working with materials like fiberglass and carbon fiber to create durable yet lightweight aircraft parts. Technicians utilize techniques such as hand layup, vacuum bagging and autoclave curing to achieve desired results.
- Welding: The process of joining metal parts using heat is known as welding. Aircraft structure technicians commonly employ gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) or friction stir welding (FSW) for this purpose.
- Riveting: Joining metal parts together using rivets is referred to as riveting. Aircraft structure technicians employ a variety of tools like hand riveters and pneumatic riveters for this task.
- Machining: Utilizing machine tools to remove material from a workpiece is known as machining. Aircraft structures technicians may also need to operate machining tools like lathes, mills and drill presses.
Apart from these tasks they also possess the skills to:
- Understand and interpret blueprints and technical drawings
- Conduct quality inspections
- Maintain safety protocols in a hazardous environment
- Adhere to safety procedures and regulations
Aircraft structures technicians hold a crucial role in the aviation industry as they ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. If you are seeking a fulfilling career path, then becoming an aircraft structures technician could be an excellent choice for you.