Requirements and Description
An Aircraft Ballast Bag Fabricator is responsible for the fabrication, inspection, and repair of durable, weight-dispersing ballast bags—typically filled with sand or metal shot—to ensure aircraft cargo compartments remain within approved weight and balance limits. This role requires precision sewing, detailed material inspection, and strict adherence to aviation safety and quality standards related to handling, loading, and securing ballast equipment.
Key Responsibilities
-
Fabrication: Manufacture heavy-duty, reinforced ballast bags using approved materials, ensuring seams and closures are secure to safely contain ballast media.
-
Inspection: Examine completed and in-service bags for material defects, including worn webbing, fraying, punctures, or compromised stitching.
-
Quality Control: Verify that ballast bags meet specified weight tolerances, design requirements, and applicable safety standards to maintain proper aircraft center of gravity.
-
Maintenance and Repair: Perform repairs on damaged bags, including replacement of webbing, hardware, fasteners, and reinforcement components as required.
-
Safety Compliance: Follow established aviation safety procedures and quality guidelines to ensure all ballast equipment is suitable for use in aircraft cargo environments.
Required Skills and Qualifications
-
Proficiency in industrial sewing techniques and handling of heavy-duty materials such as canvas, nylon, and reinforced webbing.
-
Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify material defects and workmanship issues.
-
Working knowledge of weight distribution principles and aviation safety protocols.
-
Physical ability to handle heavy materials and completed ballast bags safely.
Working Conditions
-
Work is typically performed in a manufacturing, production, or maintenance environment.
-
May involve frequent handling and lifting of heavy, filled ballast bags.
-
Requires the use of industrial sewing machines, cutting tools, and inspection equipment.