12. Composite Repair

Composite structures will inevitably encounter damage while in service. The airframe of an aircraft may encounter tool drops, “hangar rash”, bird strikes, and hail damage throughout its lifespan. Even with delicate care, certain types of damage are unavoidable. Composite propeller blades will undergo leading edge erosion from bugs, rain, and debris. The good news is that composite materials are generally repairable when proper procedures are followed. Damaged composite components must be evaluated and deemed suitable for repair on a case-by-case basis. Important evaluation considerations are highlighted in this section.