Aeronautical Painter Training

Lesson 1 • Introduction to Aircraft Coating Systems

Surveys the layered coating system from primer to topcoat and its protective functions. Provides the conceptual map learners will build on throughout the entire course.

Lesson 2 • Paint Shop Environment and Housekeeping

Defines controlled environment requirements for temperature, humidity, and cleanliness. Learners learn how environmental conditions directly affect coating adhesion and finish quality.

Lesson 3 • The Aeronautical Paint Trade

Introduces the role of the aeronautical painter within MRO and OEM environments. Connects trade identity to quality, airworthiness, and regulatory accountability.

Lesson 4 • Regulatory Framework for Aircraft Finishing

Covers aviation authority requirements governing paint processes and documentation. Learners understand how compliance drives every procedural decision on the shop floor.

Lesson 1 • Reading and Applying Engineering Drawings

Introduces paint-related zones, notes, and finish callouts on aircraft drawings. Learners translate drawing data into actionable surface treatment plans.

Lesson 2 • Surface Condition Assessment

Teaches systematic inspection of existing coatings for defects, adhesion loss, and corrosion. Learners produce accurate condition reports that drive strip-or-overcoat decisions.

Lesson 3 • Aluminum Alloy Substrates

Covers alloy families used in airframes and their surface characteristics. Understanding alloy behaviour prevents adhesion failures and corrosion under paint.

Lesson 4 • Composite and Advanced Material Surfaces

Addresses carbon fibre, fibreglass, and hybrid composite surface properties. Learners learn why composites require different prep and primer strategies than metals.

Lesson 1 • Masking and Surface Protection

Covers tape selection, masking paper, and plug systems for protecting non-paint areas. Learners build masking plans from drawings and verify coverage before spraying.

Lesson 2 • Chemical Conversion Coating

Explains chromate and non-chromate conversion coating application on aluminium. Learners understand how conversion coatings create the chemical bond for primer adhesion.

Lesson 3 • Mechanical Stripping and Abrasion

Teaches media blasting, sanding, and scuff techniques appropriate for each substrate. Emphasises substrate damage prevention while achieving required surface profiles.

Lesson 4 • Chemical Stripping Methods

Covers solvent, alkaline, and paint-stripping agent application on aircraft surfaces. Learners learn dwell time control and neutralisation to protect substrate integrity.

Lesson 1 • Primer Inspection and Defect Correction

Teaches visual and instrument inspection of cured primer films for defects. Learners identify, document, and correct runs, sags, pinholes, and adhesion failures.

Lesson 2 • Corrosion-Inhibiting Primer Selection

Compares chromated and non-chromated corrosion-inhibiting primers for zone-specific use. Learners select primers based on substrate, environment, and regulatory restrictions.

Lesson 3 • Wash Primer and Etch Primer Systems

Explains acid-functional wash primers for bare metal adhesion promotion. Learners apply thin, uniform coats and understand the chemical etch mechanism.

Lesson 4 • Epoxy Primer Systems

Covers two-component epoxy primer mixing ratios, pot life, and application parameters. Learners apply epoxy primers to specification and verify wet and dry film thickness.

Lesson 1 • Gloss, Colour, and Film Build Verification

Teaches use of gloss meters, spectrophotometers, and film gauges for topcoat QC. Learners interpret readings against specification limits and determine accept or rework.

Lesson 2 • Spray Gun Setup and Calibration

Covers HVLP and conventional spray gun adjustment for aircraft topcoat application. Learners set fluid, air, and fan controls to achieve specified atomisation and pattern.

Lesson 3 • Topcoat Defect Analysis and Correction

Identifies causes and corrections for orange peel, fisheye, solvent pop, and runs. Learners apply wet sanding and polishing to restore finish quality without re-spraying.

Lesson 4 • Polyurethane Topcoat Chemistry

Explains two-component polyurethane chemistry, isocyanate hazards, and cure mechanisms. Learners connect chemical understanding to correct mixing, application, and safety practices.

Lesson 1 • Specialty Decorative Techniques

Introduces metallic, pearlescent, and gradient effects used in premium aircraft liveries. Learners apply advanced masking and layering to achieve specified decorative outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Masking for Multi-Colour Schemes

Teaches fine-line tape, liquid mask, and film mask techniques for crisp colour breaks. Learners sequence masking and spraying to achieve clean edges on complex liveries.

Lesson 3 • Regulatory Markings and Compliance

Addresses required registration, emergency, and operational markings per aviation authority standards. Learners verify marking dimensions, placement, and colour against approved data.

Lesson 4 • Livery Layout and Measurement

Covers datum-based measurement systems for positioning stripes, logos, and text on fuselages. Learners transfer drawing dimensions to aircraft surfaces with required positional accuracy.

Lesson 1 • Measurement Tools and Calibration

Covers film thickness gauges, gloss meters, and adhesion testers used in aircraft paint QC. Learners verify instrument calibration and apply correct measurement technique.

Lesson 2 • Defect Classification and Disposition

Teaches classification of paint defects as acceptable, repairable, or reject. Learners apply disposition logic consistent with approved data and quality management systems.

Lesson 3 • Quality Documentation and Traceability

Covers work order completion, material batch recording, and inspection sign-off requirements. Learners produce documentation packages that support airworthiness release.

Lesson 4 • In-Process Inspection Checkpoints

Defines mandatory hold points for surface prep, primer, and topcoat stages. Learners apply structured inspection at each checkpoint before authorising work to continue.

Lesson 1 • Corrosion Treatment Before Repainting

Addresses corrosion removal, treatment, and primer restoration before topcoat application. Learners follow approved corrosion repair data to restore protective coating systems.

Lesson 2 • Touch-Up on In-Service Aircraft

Covers hangar and line-side touch-up procedures with environmental constraints. Learners adapt equipment and technique for confined spaces and limited access conditions.

Lesson 3 • Scheduled Repaint Planning

Introduces planning for full aircraft repaint within maintenance schedule windows. Learners coordinate strip, prep, prime, and topcoat phases against aircraft availability.

Lesson 4 • Damage Assessment for Repair

Teaches evaluation of paint damage extent, substrate condition, and repair classification. Learners determine whether spot repair, zone repair, or full strip is required.