Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the challenges related to the following damage of composite material

>> Barely Visible Damage (BVD)
>> and Externally Non-Visible Damage (NVD).

Introduction

Composite materials typically do not don’t show damage in the same way metals do. Additionally, composites are susceptible to hidden cracks and defects that may occur during manufacturing or service.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the type of defects that may be encountered during the Inspection of Aircraft Composite Material.

Introduction

The significance of composite damage is dependent upon the function of the structure and the type and extent of the damage.

>> The most likely cause of damage, approximately 80%, is impact, often the result of ground handling. This may produce many of the damage types discussed here.
>> The most significant damage types are

Introduced by Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com

Background to MSG3 Significant Structural Inspection (SSI) Program

Using MSG 3 Maintenance Philosophy we have 3 drivers for Structural Deterioration.  

       · Accidental Damage (AD)
       · Environmental Damage (ED)
       · Fatigue Damage (FD)

Now that we know the exposure which we face from FOD we should also understand the importance of FOD training!

Dealing with the Challenge of Training Adults

The first point to understand is that adults learn best when they understand the reason behind the training – so this becomes the first challenge.

To share the importance not just of FOD training, but of really following FOD procedures to ensure that we remove any possibility of personally being involved in the production of FOD. Moreover we understand the obligation which we share to correctly dispose of any FOD we see whilst we are working. 

Training can be delivered on line or in a classroom environment and becomes an opportunity to share information including the challenges of encouraging people to follow the FOD “rules”.

Training New Employees

It is good practice to ensure that New Employees do not start work until they have successfully passed through a FOD Training Program.