Aircraft Assembly

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

Job Purpose: Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.

• Align and fit structural assemblies manually, or signal crane operators to position assemblies for joining.
• Assemble and fit prefabricated parts to form subassemblies.
• Assemble, install, and connect parts, fittings, and assemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, and fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, and clamps.
• Position and align subassemblies in jigs or fixtures, using measuring instruments and following blueprint lines and index points.
• Cut, trim, file, bend, and smooth parts, and verify sizes and fitting tolerances in order to ensure proper fit and clearance of parts.
• Read and interpret blueprints, illustrations, and specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities and relationships of parts.
• Align, fit, assemble, connect, and install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, and power tools.
• Join structural assemblies such as wings, tails, and fuselage.
• Lay out and mark reference points and locations for installation of parts and components, using jigs, templates, and measuring and marking instruments.
• Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts and assemblies to eliminate malfunctions and to ensure proper operation.
• Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components and subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding.
• Inspect and test installed units, parts, systems, and assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, and compliance with standards, using measuring instruments and test equipment.
• Fit and fasten sheet metal coverings to surface areas and other sections of aircraft prior to welding or riveting.
• Clean, oil, and/or coat system components as necessary before assembling and attaching them.

• Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
• Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.