Review of Safety Precautions and Best Practices related to Inspection of Aircraft Composite Materials
Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com reviews the Safety Precautions and Best Practices including preparation and cleaning related to the inspection of aviation composite during maintenance checks.
Introduction
Maintaining aviation composites involves thorough inspections and approved repairs when needed to ensure the structural integrity of the aircraft.
Inspection of aircraft composite materials should be performed with utmost care, strictly following safety precautions and adhering to best practices. This will ensure the aircraft's structural integrity, guaranteeing the safety of its operations.
Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance and inspection manuals in particular where they provide specific procedures and guidelines tailored to the particular aircraft and its composite materials.
Preparation
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Inspectors should wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, and potentially respiratory protection if dust or fibres might be released.
Care and Precautions
>> It's important to avoid damaging the material.
>> Tools must not scratch or indent the composite, as it may cause stress concentrations leading to premature failure.
>> Handle composites with care to avoid causing accidental damage. Dropping, dragging, or rough handling can cause unseen structural damage that can have severe consequences if not detected.
>> Some composite materials can be highly flammable. Ensure proper storage and handling protocols are followed to minimize the risk of fire.
Prepare the Work Area
>> The work area should be well-lit, clean, and free of any unnecessary equipment or materials that could pose a hazard.
>> Ensure all electrical equipment is properly grounded.
Note static electricity, could ignite flammable substances.
Plan for Contingencies: Keep fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and other emergency equipment readily available and ensure all personnel know how to use them.
Performance of Composite Inspection
>> Create a controlled environment suitable for inspections.
>> Avoid dusty or excessively humid areas that could affect the accuracy of inspections.
>> Maintain proper lighting conditions to facilitate visual inspections and ensure any required inspection equipment is properly calibrated.
Composite inspections should be conducted by authorised individuals with proper training
>> They should have a solid understanding of:
o Composite materials
o Inspection techniques
o Equipment used for inspections.
>> Regular training updates should be conducted to keep inspectors up-to-date with the latest industry standards.
Note: Understanding composite materials and their failure modes is critical.
Use Appropriate Tools
The choice of inspection method will depend on the type of composite, its thickness, and its shape.
>> Use non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for inspection:
o Ultrasonic inspection
o Thermographic inspection
o Tap testing
Ultrasonic inspection is well-suited for detecting internal defects in composite materials, while thermographic inspection is more appropriate for surface defect detection.
>> The choice between these methods depends on the specific inspection requirements, the type of defect being targeted, and the available access to the material.
Document Findings: Always document the findings of your inspections clearly and in detail, which will help during the repair process or in future inspections.
Next Steps
Sofema Aviation Services (www.sassofia.com) offers the following 2-day course - Composite Material TAP Testing for Aviation Inspectors. Please email team@sassofia.com for further information.
