Description
Inspect, repair, and modify aircraft airframes and structural assemblies in metal and composites. Diagnose damage, fabricate and install structural components, treat corrosion, and ensure repairs meet SRM, engineering orders, and regulatory airworthiness standards.
- • Read and interpret SRMs, blueprints, service bulletins, and engineering orders to determine structural repair methods and limits.
- • Conduct routine and special airframe inspections in accordance with regulations and OEM requirements.
- • Inspect fuselage, wings, empennage, doors, and fairings for cracks, dents, loose fasteners, corrosion, and deformation.
- • Use or coordinate non-destructive inspection methods to detect hidden damage as authorized.
- • Document all structural maintenance and repairs in required logs and digital systems.
- • Inspect completed structural work and return aircraft to service as authorized.
- • Remove damaged skins, stringers, frames, and ribs by drilling out fasteners and cutting per procedures.
- • Lay out, fabricate, and form replacement panels, doublers, ribs, and brackets using shears, brakes, rollers, stretchers, and shrinkers.
- • Locate and mark reference lines, hole patterns, and trim lines using templates and precision measuring tools.
- • Fit, cleco, align, and fasten parts using solid and blind rivets, Hi-Loks, bolts, and structural adhesives.
- • Perform stop-drilling, cold working, and other crack-arresting techniques per SRM.
- • Assess and repair composite structures with scarfing, ply layup, vacuum bagging, and controlled curing.
- • Prepare surfaces by cleaning, stripping, sanding, and apply conversion coatings, primers, sealants, and topcoats.
- • Remove, install, and seal access panels, floorboards, fairings, radomes, windshields, and windows.
- • Treat and repair corrosion, restore protective finishes, and implement corrosion prevention and control measures.
- • Repair and balance flight control surfaces, including skins, ribs, and hinges, coordinating rigging checks as required.
- • Align structural components using jigs and fixtures; verify dimensions and tolerances with precision instruments.
- • Bond and repair honeycomb and sandwich structures; inject adhesive and replace core as required.
- • Seal pressure bulkheads and fuselage seams; perform pressure and leak checks as specified.
- • Remove, install, and secure structural system lines and clamps, ensuring bonding, grounding, and chafe protection.
- • Modify structures per engineering orders, kits, and STCs, including drilling, trimming, and installing provisions.
- • Prepare damage reports with measurements, sketches, and photos; coordinate deviations with engineering.
- • Support proof-loads, fit checks, and other structural verification tests.
- • Use and maintain drills, rivet guns, squeezers, grinders, and other sheet-metal and composite repair tools.
- • Set up and maintain jigs, fixtures, and work stands to ensure proper alignment and safety.
- • Protect adjacent structure and systems with masking and protective films during cutting, drilling, and sanding.
- • Apply fuel tank sealant, install panels, and perform fuel leak checks on wet-wing and tank repairs.
- • Repair and install external fuel tanks and pylons within structural scope.
- • Conduct corrosion and crack inspections using borescopes and basic NDT techniques where qualified.
- • Ensure correct fastener selection, hole prep, countersinking, and torque per specifications.
- • Maintain FOD control, tool accountability, and hazardous material handling compliance.
- • Manage parts and materials; requisition fasteners, sealants, adhesives, composites, and repair kits with shelf-life control.
- • Coordinate with avionics, hydraulics, and propulsion teams to access and protect systems during structural work.
- • Perform electrical bonding and grounding continuity checks after structural repairs.
- • Perform water spray or pressurization tests to verify seal integrity on repaired areas.
- • Select allowable repairs based on SRM damage tolerance and repair size limits.
- • Comply with FAA, EASA, and company quality procedures; support audits and configuration control.
- • Train and mentor junior technicians; communicate job status and findings to supervisors and engineering.
- • Maintain a clean, safe work area and dispose of waste per environmental regulations.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Supply Chain & Transportation
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
