Composite Materials and Aircraft Structures Advisory Circulars (ACs) and FAA Guidance

Composite Materials in Aircraft Structures

General Guidance on Composite Materials

AC 20-44 – Provides FAA-approved methods for repairs and maintenance of composite materials used in aircraft structures. It covers inspection procedures, material properties, and best practices for composite aircraft maintenance.

FAA 8900.1, Vol. 6, Ch. 11, Sec. 28 – Details FAA inspector guidelines for assessing composite aircraft structures. It includes regulatory compliance, airworthiness considerations, and repair certification processes.

Composite Repair and Certification Standards

Composite Maintenance for Technicians and Engineers

AC 65-33A – Establishes certification requirements for aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) specializing in composite repairs. It includes training standards, hands-on testing procedures, and FAA qualification guidelines.

AC 20-107B – Discusses design, repair, and certification standards for composite aircraft structures. It provides guidance on bonding techniques, fatigue resistance, and regulatory considerations for composite material use in aviation.

Structural Integrity and Airworthiness Compliance

Damage Tolerance and Repair Guidelines

AC 23-20 – Focuses on damage tolerance and fatigue evaluation of composite materials. It provides analytical methods for assessing the longevity and durability of composite aircraft components.

AC 21-26A – Covers airworthiness compliance for composite components in aircraft production and modification. It includes manufacturing quality standards, FAA certification processes, and safety considerations for composite structures.

Inspection and Preventive Maintenance for Composite Aircraft

AC 43-214A Ed Update – Provides detailed inspection and maintenance guidelines for composite aircraft structures. It explains non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques, preventive maintenance strategies, and repair evaluation processes for composite components.