SHEET METAL MECHANIC (AIRCRAFT)

Job Title

Rotary Wing Aircraft Mechanic

Job Description

Assists to fabricate, modify, and assemble a variety of rotary wing aircraft and aircraft sheet metal structural parts, components, and portions of assemblies and systems. Assists with lay outs and fabricates individual aircraft sheet metal parts from various sheet metals, extruded metal, honeycomb material, composite materials and various other metal alloys. Works with higher graded journey level sheet metal mechanics to accomplish larger and more complex operations. Independently inspects aircraft and determines the nature and extent of repairs to be made, using applicable technical orders as guidelines. Works directly on the aircraft and its components, fulfilling such tasks as removal, repair, modification and installation of parts and assemblies, such as frames, stringers, longerons, bulkheads, beams, ribs, spars, skin, cowling, brackets, faring, access doors, panels and other related items. Repairs cracks in aircraft skin. Fabricates and fits patches to damaged areas, determining repair detail necessary to retain or restore original strength. Troubleshoots aircraft structural repair situations in such areas as fuselage, tails, wings, cowlings, and stabilizers. Removes, forms, fits, and installs highly stressed and double contoured skins, using hand or powered drilling and cutting tools and other metal working equipment. Aligns and balances component structures and airframe using precision measuring instruments and levels. Inspects damage or deterioration and determines repair or replacement of plastic, fiberglass, composites, bonded structures, and bonded honeycomb assemblies using powered and nonpowered tools and equipment. Manufactures and ensures that metal tubing, conduits and cables are fabricated and tested in accordance with drawings and specifications. Performs fabrication of local manufactured items requited for aircraft and equipment. Work includes layout, bending, cutting, forming and assembling. Sets up and operates power shears, brakes, rolls, dimpling machines, drill presses, saws, portable powered tools, specific detection and measuring equipment, and other metal working equipment, including use of other tools of the trade. Prepares and designs layout, dies, jigs, and templates necessary to carry out fabrication repair or modification of aircraft, engine, AGE, and other equipment. Identifies metal corrosion. Performs necessary testing to identify type corrosion present by examination with magnifying equipment, chemical and mechanical methods and treats aircraft engines, in accordance with applicable technical publications. Removes corrosion by mechanical and chemical procedures to include use of portable powered (electric and pneumatic) sanders, buffers, brushes, bead blasters, vacuum cleaners, scrapers, grinders, acids, caustics, solvents, alcohols and other agents used in corrosion control processes. Applies protective coatings, markings, and decals after proper removal of corrosion and treatment of metals. Identifies, blends, stores, controls, and disposes of hazardous materials such as acids, caustics, alcohols, solvents, cleaners, primers and surface coatings used for corrosion removal, treatment and protection in accordance with applicable directives. May operate the wash rack. Accomplishes corrosion and washing inspections within schedule provided to ensure compliance with the monthly and weekly maintenance plan. May assist in training of drill status guard members and in maintenance of publication files of applicable technical orders, regulations, manuals and local directives. Prepares for and participates in various types of readiness evaluations such as MEI, ORI, IG and UE inspections mobility and command support exercises. Performs other as duties as assigned.