Part 66 – Module 7: Maintenance Practices
Essay: Procedures of Removing Defective Solid Rivet
Rivet plays a vital role in the aircraft structure. Any defects on the rivets can affect
the structural integrity of the aircraft thus leading to catastrophe damage. The following
procedure explains a basic method of rivet removal.
Always make sure the tools to be used is approved and in good condition. The
procedure for removing defective solid rivet is laid down in the aircraft maintenance manual
(AMM).
Start of by preparing the surface adjacent to the defective rivet. This is to avoid any
surface from damage caused by the defective rivet removal procedure.
Use appropriate tools and personnel protective equipment. Make sure the personnel
carrying out the task is well trained.
Carefully mark the centre of the manufactures solid rivet head with a centre punch.
This is to mark the centre and start for drilling.
Drill the manufactured rivet head with a drill of the same diameter as the rivet
shank. The rivet is drilled to the depth of the manufactured head.
Carefully knock off the drilled rivet head with cape chisel and prise out the rivet head
with a pin punch to fully remove the defective rivet head. Make sure not to damage or
scratch the adjacent surface of the rivet.
With support behind the aircraft sheet metal, punch out the remaining defective
rivet shank with a parallel pin punch of the same diameter as the rivet shank.
Care needs to be taken, during rivet removal, to ensure that the least possible
damage is done to the original hole and its surrounding structure. When removing rivets
from bonded assemblies it is essential not to apply shear loads, which are liable to part the
bond.
Make sure to observe the utmost care should be taken when drilling and punching,
to ensure that the original hole is not enlarged.
All maintenance personnel should bear responsibility to properly detect any damage
on the aircraft skin. An early detection on the structure especially on the rivets can help
prevent catastrophe disaster in the future.
Essay: Procedures of Removing Defective Solid Rivet
Rivet plays a vital role in the aircraft structure. Any defects on the rivets can affect
the structural integrity of the aircraft thus leading to catastrophe damage. The following
procedure explains a basic method of rivet removal.
Always make sure the tools to be used is approved and in good condition. The
procedure for removing defective solid rivet is laid down in the aircraft maintenance manual
(AMM).
Start of by preparing the surface adjacent to the defective rivet. This is to avoid any
surface from damage caused by the defective rivet removal procedure.
Use appropriate tools and personnel protective equipment. Make sure the personnel
carrying out the task is well trained.
Carefully mark the centre of the manufactures solid rivet head with a centre punch.
This is to mark the centre and start for drilling.
Drill the manufactured rivet head with a drill of the same diameter as the rivet
shank. The rivet is drilled to the depth of the manufactured head.
Carefully knock off the drilled rivet head with cape chisel and prise out the rivet head
with a pin punch to fully remove the defective rivet head. Make sure not to damage or
scratch the adjacent surface of the rivet.
With support behind the aircraft sheet metal, punch out the remaining defective
rivet shank with a parallel pin punch of the same diameter as the rivet shank.
Care needs to be taken, during rivet removal, to ensure that the least possible
damage is done to the original hole and its surrounding structure. When removing rivets
from bonded assemblies it is essential not to apply shear loads, which are liable to part the
bond.
Make sure to observe the utmost care should be taken when drilling and punching,
to ensure that the original hole is not enlarged.
All maintenance personnel should bear responsibility to properly detect any damage
on the aircraft skin. An early detection on the structure especially on the rivets can help
prevent catastrophe disaster in the future.
