SHEET METAL MECHANIC (AIRCRAFT)

Job Title

Aircraft Structural Repair Mechanic

Job Description

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. May be required to clear red "X" conditions. Repairs cracks in aircraft skin. Fabricates and fits patches to damaged areas, determining repair detail necessary to retain or restore original strength. Fits and trims components to aircraft such as landing gear doors, control surfaces, flaps access doors and other assemblies. Seals structures to make them pressure, water and weather tight. 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. Determines shear and bearing load factors during rivet replacement. Installs heads up, regular, heat treated, high shear, and blind type aircraft rivets and fasteners, using pneumatic riveters, special tools and bucking bars. Removes damaged or broken fasteners and receptacles. Aligns and balances component structures and airframe using precision measuring instruments and levels. Performs metal-to-metal bonding where delamination of surfaces and core material occurs in control surfaces. 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. Repairs or replaces retaining frames and installs plastic laminated blanks. Designs and constructs forming fixtures. 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. Assists in cutting, bending, forming materials using hand tools, powered tools, and computer numerically controlled machines (CNC) to include CNC 2D pattern cutting water jets and CNC 2D pattern cutting lasers. Assembles formed parts. Assists in conducting hardness and conductivity testing to verify heat treat condition of aluminum alloys. Works with higher graded journey level sheet metal mechanics to accomplish larger and more complex operations. Attends on-the-job training on assigned projects and related tasks to include classroom instruction as necessary. Processes and accounts for due-in supply assets. Ensures that material and equipment are properly stored, protected, and maintained. May be required to serve on maintenance assistance teams through the supported region. Prepares and designs layout, dies, jigs, and templates necessary to carry out fabrication repair or modification of aircraft, engine, AGE, and other equipment. Works from blueprints, technical orders diagrams, and work orders. 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. Treats metal with chemical procedures, such as acids and caustics for passivation and etching, to protect metal from oxidation. Performs other as duties as assigned.