The reader should be familiar working with sheet metal and riveting.
Airplane sheet metal circular patch template.
Most frequently expensive sheet metal bending tools called brakes are used to bend sheet metal but you can also complete this task without one.
Cut out a circular patch from a sheet of aluminum that is the same thickness and the original aircraft skin.
For reasons of availability low weight and prior manufacturing experience most early aircraft were of wood and fabric construction.
The primary objective of aircraft repair is to restore damaged parts to their original condition.
Select the appropriate material.
I then used the templates to trace out the patch panels on some sheet metal.
The two main qualities that all of the highly skilled sheet metal workers i have worked with possess are knowledge and patience.
Basic principles of sheet metal repair.
Make a template using paper.
Use advisory circular ac43 13 1b as a reference to determine proper rivet layout for the patch.
Knowledge comes from learning all of the factors that affect good.
The patch plate should have a cross sectional area equal to or.
A rounded or several sided patch is preferable over a square patch.
Keep the weight to a minimum prem mahendranathan.
After slicing the patches out with a cutoff wheel next came the bending hammer and dolly session until the patches matched the holes and fit snug and flush into the flanged seat.
Learn how to bend sheet metal so you.
At the lower speeds then obtainable streamlining was not a primary consideration and many wires struts braces and other devices were used to provide the necessary structural strength.
In all cases your primary reference for all repairs is faa advisory circular 43 13 1b acceptable methods techniques and practices aircraft inspection and repair.
So i will draw a line 1 4 from the small hole and inward from the outline of the patch i drew.
Another excellent source is aircraft sheet metal published by jeppesen.
Principal requirements in repair of structures inspection of the damage and accurate estimate of the type of repair required important steps in repairing structural damage.
When repair of a damaged part is possible first study the part carefully to fully understand its purpose or function.
Maintain the original strength.
Airplane airplane materials and construction.
Cutout the corners into oval or circular shape.
This is a very common problem on sheet metal airplanes.
Bending sheet metal by hand is a manageable task if the piece of sheet metal is small and thin enough to handle.
If you re not sure how to approach a repair get the assistance of a qualified aviation sheet metal mechanic.
