The course is intended to provide the student with a fundamental overview of composite repairs as applied to the aviation industry. The program is intended to serve as a starting point for those individuals who have the desire to work towards acquiring a composite repair technician background, or to those individuals whose job requires a basic knowledge of the materials, methods and terminology used in the industry. The curriculum is designed to expose the student to the materials, tools, equipment and procedures employed in the repair of composite aircraft structures, and are ideal for the student with little or no previous experience with composite materials.

What you will learn:

Composites Theory – Classroom

• Terminology, history and current developments in composites technology
• Shop procedures and practices, health and safety issues
• Composite materials documentation forms and procedures
• Proper care and maintenance practices for composite repair Equipment, Tools and Materials
• Proper storage and handling of composite fabrics, materials and resin systems
• Composites curing techniques: Oven, Autoclave, Hot Bonders, Hot Air Systems and Radiant Heating Lamps
• Manufacturing, repair and inspection criteria and techniques: non destructive Inspection methods, defect detection and documentation procedure

Workshop Exercises and Projects

• Introduction to single and dual zone Hot Bonders in curing composite materials, heat blankets and thermocouple usage
• Vacuum Bagging application and use of ultrasonic leak detector
• Extensive use of tools and equipment used in composites repair
• Mixing and applying resins
• Fabrication of wet lay up composite sandwich structure panels
• Inspection and repair of damaged composite parts
• Edgeband and insert potting