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Surface Preparation:
- Cleaning and preparing the aircraft’s surfaces for painting by removing dirt, grease, corrosion, and old paint.
- Sanding, smoothing, and priming surfaces to ensure proper adhesion of paint and coatings.
- Masking and taping areas that should not be painted, such as windows, trim, and sensitive parts of the aircraft.
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Applying Paint and Coatings:
- Mixing, matching, and applying paint and coatings to the exterior of aircraft. This may involve specialized paints for different parts of the aircraft (e.g., primer, topcoat, protective coatings).
- Using various tools and techniques, such as spray guns, brushes, and rollers, to ensure even application and smooth finishes.
- Applying coatings that protect against weathering, UV damage, and corrosion, particularly on critical components like wings, fuselage, and tail sections.
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Detailed Work:
- Ensuring precise color matching for aircraft logos, decals, or custom paint schemes, often working to exact specifications.
- Applying detailed designs or logos using stencils or freehand techniques.
- Ensuring paint jobs are smooth and free from runs, drips, or blemishes.
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Inspections and Quality Control:
- Inspecting the aircraft after painting to ensure the finish meets company or regulatory standards.
- Conducting touch-ups or rework if defects are identified, such as inconsistencies in the paint or damaged areas.
- Ensuring that all surfaces are properly protected and that there is adequate coverage of paint.
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Maintaining Safety Standards:
- Following strict safety guidelines to handle hazardous materials, including using personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators, gloves, and protective clothing.
- Ensuring that work areas are ventilated properly to avoid inhalation of fumes from paints and solvents.
- Cleaning and maintaining equipment such as spray guns, air compressors, and mixing tools.
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Documentation and Reporting:
- Keeping accurate records of the materials used, including paint types and quantities.
- Documenting work completed on specific aircraft, often for maintenance logs or regulatory compliance.
- Communicating with supervisors and team members about the progress of the paint job, any issues, and the expected completion time.
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Aircraft Handling:
- Working in a team to move the aircraft into and out of the painting area.
- Ensuring that the aircraft is properly positioned and secured during the painting process.