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AIRCRAFT SUPPORT

Supporting an Aircraft for Major Structural Work

General principles for aircraft support and alignment during major structural repair.

Concept side view of an aircraft supported at approved jack and supplementary support locations
Support concept only. Actual jack, sling, cradle and shoring points are unique to the aircraft and task.

Key reference points

  • Use aircraft-specific jacking and shoring data.
  • Place supports only at approved locations.
  • Monitor alignment throughout major structural work.

Organised training notes

1Plan the lift and support

Use the aircraft-specific jacking, shoring, sling, cradle or jig arrangement for the configuration and planned work.

  1. 1.1 Load capabilityConfirm floor, jack, sling, spreader, cradle and support capacity before the aircraft or assembly is moved.
  2. 1.2 Approved pointsIdentify hoisting, jacking and supplementary-support points from the current maintenance data.

2Apply support without distortion

Position equipment at approved points and bring supplementary supports into contact without unintended local loading.

  1. 2.1 Protect the structureUse the specified pads, adapters and clearances; never force assemblies together or use unapproved contact areas.
  2. 2.2 Control stabilityInstall locks and safety devices and keep the work area within the environmental limits of the procedure.

3Monitor throughout the work

Recheck level, reference heights, plumb positions and support loads while structure is open or loads change.

  1. 3.1 Periodic checksRepeat the defined readings often enough to detect developing distortion.
  2. 3.2 Before releaseComplete the required alignment and stability checks before supports are removed.
Training-reference boundary

This summary is not approved repair or maintenance data. Do not inspect, classify, select material, alter structure or perform a repair from this page alone. Use the current applicable SRM, AMM, engineering order, drawing and company procedures.