A Composite Fabricator works with aircraft composite materials and is involved in the repair, installation, modification and inspection of these materials. Composite Fabricators fabricate lightweight structures made of advanced composite materials, plastics including lay-up, resins and binders. They must be knowledgeable in the physical and chemical properties of composite materials, as well as the storage, handling, moulds and curing of composites. This Occupational Standard lists all of the tasks which a Composite Fabricator should be able to perform anywhere in Canada. However, different employers in various parts of the country may work in a more specialized area of the occupation.
The Composite Fabricator is thoroughly familiar with safe work practices and the rules and regulations affecting his/her work and work place. The Composite Fabricator is involved in the set-up and operation of tools and equipment as well as some semi-automatic processes. The Composite Fabricator should possess a high level of manual dexterity and a strong interest in aircraft composites. The individual must be able to work with others cooperatively and follow directives precisely.
Certification Requirements
To qualify for certification with CCAA, the applicant must possess the necessary knowledge and skills and have successfully performed all of the all fifty-three (53) specified mandatory tasks required and at least twenty-two (22) or 40% of the sub-tasks within the logbook. In addition, the applicant must have a minimum of twenty-four (24) months on the job experience, based on full-time employment. The tasks in the logbook were made as generic as possible to accommodate the largest amount of work environments and equipment / tools but do not necessarily cover all tasks performed by individuals.
Tasks Common to Most Composite Fabricators
(note that sub-tasks for each task are not shown below)
Block A — Safety
Task 1 – Demonstrates Safe Working Practices
Block B — Technical Drawings and Information Interpretation
Task 2 – Reads and Interprets Technical Drawings and Information
Block C — Tools, Materials and Equipment for Lay-Up
Task 3 – Reviews Work Plans
Task 4 – Prepares Mould
Task 5 – Monitors Perishable Material
Task 6 – Prepares Materials
Block D — Lay-Up
Task 7 – Applies Surface Coat
Task 8 – Constructs Laminate Stack
Task 9 – Applies a Vacuum Process
Task 10 – Cures Laminate
Task 11 – Performs Final Fabrication Processes
Task 12 – Performs Additional Tasks Specific to the Closed Mould Process
Task 13 – Operates Autoclave
Block E — Assembly
Task 14 – Bonds Metallic and/or Non-Metallic Surfaces or Components
Task 15 – Installs Mechanical Fasteners
Block F — Reworks Parts (In-Process Damage, Modification and Non-Conformance)
Task 16 – Assesses the Non-Conformance
Task 17 – Repairs the Non-Conformance
Task 18 – Completes Non-Conformance Repairs
Block G — Quality Control
Task 19 – Ensures Conformity
Task 20 – Verifies Calibration