Aircraft Nose Radome: Inspection, Damage Assessment and Repair

Upon successful completion of this training, participant is able to:

• Describe the build-up of the aircraft radomes;
  
  
• Explain the different types of reinforced fibers, core materials and placement;
  
  
• Understand the correct procedures relating to cleaning the aircraft radome;
  
  
• Perform a visual inspection of the radome (incl. drain holes);
  
  
• Recognize common radome damage and failure modes;
  
  
• Perform a comprehensive inspection of radomes using appropriate techniques and equipment;
  
  
• Evaluate the extent of radome damage and determine the appropriate repair methods;
  
  
• Execute repairs on composite radomes, including patching, bonding, and refinishing;
  
  
• Follow safety procedures and adhere to industry standards while working on radomes;
  
  
• Apply dry cycles according to the OEM manual to remove water ingress;
  
  
• Conduct post-repair inspections and verify the integrity of the repaired radomes;
  
  
• Document repair procedures, maintain records, and complete necessary documentation;
  
  
• Check radome for possible minor damage;
  
  
• Check radome for major damage;
  
  
• Understand allowable damages and repairable damage limits;
  
  
• Make a splash composite tool in support of the radome skin repair;
  
  
• Remove core materials with the use of the vacuum felt/vacuum tooling technique and install a flexible core into the dome nose;
  
  
• Find repair steps to be taken in the Aircraft type related OEM-SRM-CMM manuals for Radomes;
  
  
• Demonstrate proper safety practices while exhibiting the skills necessary to repair the aircraft radome utilizing sanding techniques, wet lay-up and prepreg, film adhesive, vacuum bagging techniques, and hot bond equipment;