real-world experience

Aviation Maintenance^ |^ avm-mag.com^ |^ June / July 2 016 49

structures and then determined the possible

improvements that could be obtained

through the use of more sophisticated

inspection methods, optimized procedures

and enhanced inspector training. This

research provided clear recommendations

and best practices for inspecting composites.

One recommendation that came out of these

experiments was to provide the industry with

more composites training. As follow-on to the

composite POD experiments, the FAA’s M&I

program decided to develop training material

and proficiency specimens for the industry.

Composites Training

Working with the industry, the FAA

developed a curriculum which teaches

airline inspectors the fundamentals of

composite materials, the specific processes

for inspecting composites and gives them

an opportunity to routinely inspect them.

Due to the fact that many older aircraft do

not have composite structures, inspectors

often do not get the chance to routinely

inspect them. These proficiency specimens

are a series of panels that have simulated

types of damage which offer inspectors

hands-on experience with working with

composites. The FAA is in the process of

finalizing the curriculum and proficiency

specimen exercises. Once these have

been finalized, a DOT final report will be

generated and the information will be

readily available to the public at the FAA’s

report library: http://www.faa.gov/about/

office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/

offices/tc/library/.

The Code of Federal Regulations

(CFR Part 147) regulates curriculums for

Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools

and requires that students be taught basic

information about the uses of composites in

aviation. This can be a very basic composite

awareness course or an extensive curriculum

preparing the students to be composite

repair technician. As part of the FAA’s effort

to proactively manage safety, the FAA is

updating this curriculum as well.

Commercial aviation is considered to be

one of the safest modes of transportation

today. This can be attributed to the hard work

and dedication of all of those working in the

industry. The industry is constantly evolving

and, as such, the FAA is always challenged to

keep pace. Working closely with the industry

the FAA will continue to set the standard

for the high level of safety found in today’s

commercial aviation.

For questions/comments/concerns: David

Westlund (david.westlund@faa.govAM

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