We are talking thousands of rivets on a typical airplane. Rivets are used on sport aviation aircraft as well as metal airplanes as large as a Boeing 747. Even the best built parts of an aircraft are only as good as what holds them together.Īluminum parts may be riveted, bolted, or welded together. Rivets play a major role in this type of construction. Sheet metal construction of some sort is required on a large number of aircraft including restorations of antiques and classics. A number of very high quality designs are available to build using sheet metal. Sheet metal construction is very popular within our industry. This month, I will discuss in detail aircraft rivets along with more general information regarding screws, turnlock fasteners, O-rings, piano hinge, etc. Hopefully, the items discussed will be of practical value to you as you go through the building process. This and subsequent articles will present more of what I think you need to know to build your airplane or to complete a restoration. I am going to continue by elaborating only on the highlights of aircraft hardware that apply to the sport aviation industry. Volumes of material can be written on the subject of aircraft hardware and its proper use. The kit manufacturer has tested the design and knows what you need in the way of aircraft hardware to hold it all together. Only substitute when you know you meet or exceed strength requirements. Use the hardware designated in your plans or assembly manual. FAA Advisory Circular 43-13 along with the Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics General Handbook provide a good reference for identification and use of aircraft hardware. To do so may compromise the safety of your aircraft and most certainly will compromise the quality. To reemphasize one major point-use only aircraft quality hardware. The proper type to use, designations, and appropriate use of all items was outlined.
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