Stay Ahead of the Leading Edge

This training course is designed to provide professional Pilots with an overview of essential information, regarding the application of composite materials in the structures of commercial transport aircraft.

With “safety” as the prime directive, the goal of this course is to enable pilots to make an objective observation and conclusion as to the serviceability of their aircraft, after a the potential for damage to a composite structure has been discovered or reported.

Due to the complexity and immensity of the subject matter and the rapid advances in composite airframe technology, not all aspects and applications of this technology are discussed, however the majority of the “essential foundation data\\\\\\\" that a pilot is most likely to require, is covered in detail.

Failure of composite and bonded metal structures can have catastrophic consequences, depending upon the design and location of the damaged structure. With proper training, pilots inspecting or “walking around” their aircraft can effectively question the airworthiness or serviceability of a composite component in question. An awareness of the damage types and causes to composites is a key element of safety in the new generation of advanced composite aircraft.

Topics covered in this 1- 3 day course include:

• History, trends, and recent developments in composite materials for aerostructures
• Composites airframe design, the basic ( essential ) theory of using composite materials in aircraft
• Detection of flaws and damage in composite structures by using visual and simple acoustic techniques. Various NDI methods, ie: ultrasound and infrared thermography are discussed
• Health and Safety; providing an awareness of substances contained in composite structures
• Case studies of damaged composite aircraft structures. What failed and how to determine the need for further investigation when a so-called “Minor” impact occurs

Prerequisites
Prior composites experience or training is not required.