1. Workshop Safety and Practices
- Safety
is the first priority in any maintenance environment.
- Always
wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Smoking
is prohibited in hangars and workshops.
- Ensure
fire extinguishers are available and serviceable.
- Oxygen
and fuel sources must be stored separately.
- Use
correct tools for the job to prevent damage or injury.
- Keep
the workplace clean and free of oil spills.
- Never
use compressed air to clean clothing or skin.
- All
electrical tools must be properly grounded.
- Always
follow the aircraft maintenance manual (AMM).
2. Hand Tools
- Use
spanners and wrenches that fit the nut or bolt exactly.
- Never
use pliers as a wrench.
- Screwdrivers
must fit the screw slot properly.
- Torque
wrenches apply precise tightening force.
- Files
should only be used on materials softer than the file.
- Hammers
are selected based on material type.
- Micrometers
measure dimensions with high accuracy.
- Vernier
calipers are used for external, internal, and depth measurements.
- Dial
indicators check surface alignment and runout.
- Always
return tools to their designated storage after use.
3. Torque and Locking Devices
- The
twisting force applied to a fastener is called torque.
- Over-torquing
can damage threads or bolts.
- Under-torquing
can lead to loosening during vibration.
- Torque
wrenches must be calibrated regularly.
- Always
tighten bolts using the manufacturer’s torque values.
- Safety
wire prevents loosening of critical fasteners.
- Locknuts
provide self-locking through friction or inserts.
- Cotter
pins secure bolts and nuts under vibration.
- Tab
washers lock nuts in place by bending a tab.
- Torque
seal paint helps identify loosened fasteners.
4. Aircraft Jacks and Supports
- Aircraft
jacking must be performed on level ground.
- Always
consult the AMM for jacking points.
- Use
the correct number of jacks as specified.
- Safety
stands must be positioned under the aircraft.
- Never
work under an aircraft supported only by jacks.
- Use
chocks on wheels not being lifted.
- Hydraulic
jacks must be inspected before use.
- Ensure
all personnel are clear before jacking.
- Check
for hydraulic leaks during operation.
- Lower
the aircraft slowly and evenly after maintenance.
5. Lifting, Rigging, and Weighing
- Use
slings and hoists rated for the load.
- Never
stand under a suspended load.
- Center
of gravity must be considered when lifting.
- Rigging
ensures control systems move correctly.
- Always
use rigging pins as per manual instructions.
- Cable
tensions vary with temperature.
- Weighing
determines the aircraft’s center of gravity.
- Use
calibrated scales for weighing.
- Perform
weighing indoors to avoid wind effects.
- Record
all weight and balance data accurately.
6. Aircraft Structures and Repairs
- Aircraft
structures include fuselage, wings, and empennage.
- Fuselages
are built using monocoque or semi-monocoque design.
- Skin
repairs must maintain aerodynamic smoothness.
- Riveted
joints are the most common structural fasteners.
- Dents
and cracks must be inspected as per limits.
- Corrosion
must be removed and treated immediately.
- Doublers
and patches restore structural strength.
- Sheet
metal bending must avoid cracking.
- Drill
holes at right angles to the surface.
- Always
deburr drilled holes to prevent stress points.
7. Control Cable Systems
- Aircraft
control cables transmit movement from cockpit to control surfaces.
- Stainless
steel is commonly used for control cables.
- Cable
tension changes with temperature.
- Pulley
alignment ensures smooth operation.
- Cable
guards prevent chafing and wear.
- Turnbuckles
are used to adjust tension.
- Safety
wire or clips secure turnbuckles.
- Replace
cables showing broken strands or corrosion.
- Check
for correct cable routing and clearance.
- Lubricate
cables as recommended.
8. Bearings and Lubrication
- Bearings
reduce friction between moving parts.
- Ball
bearings are used for radial loads.
- Roller
bearings are used for heavier loads.
- Plain
bearings depend on lubrication.
- Bearing
clearance must be within limits.
- Always
clean bearings with approved solvent.
- Never
spin bearings with compressed air.
- Use
correct type and grade of lubricant.
- Grease
reduces friction and prevents corrosion.
- Over-greasing
can cause overheating.
9. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
- Visual
inspection is the simplest NDT method.
- Dye
penetrant detects surface cracks in non-porous materials.
- Magnetic
particle testing detects surface cracks in ferrous metals.
- Eddy
current detects cracks without removing paint.
- Ultrasonic
testing identifies internal flaws using sound waves.
- Radiography
uses X-rays or gamma rays for internal inspection.
- NDT
must be done by certified personnel.
- Always
record NDT results in aircraft maintenance records.
- Defects
must be evaluated according to limits.
- Repeat
NDT after major repairs.
10. Aircraft Handling and Storage
- Use
approved towing equipment for aircraft movement.
- Always
have a qualified person in the cockpit during towing.
- Install
control locks when the aircraft is parked.
- Use
wheel chocks to prevent movement.
- Use
covers for pitot tubes, engines, and static ports.
- Drain
fuel tanks before long-term storage.
- Lubricate
moving parts before storage.
- Record
all preservation work in aircraft logbooks.
- Dehumidifiers
prevent corrosion during storage.
- Always
follow manufacturer procedures for aircraft handling