Learning Objective: Recognize the procedures for the removal and installation of wings, stabilizers, and flight control surfaces, and the subsequent alignment checks.

The primary flight control surfaces and some of the secondary control surfaces are attached to the wings and stabilizers of the aircraft. In many instances, the wings and stabilizers are damaged beyond repair. When this occurs, the wings and stabilizers must be removed and sent to a depot-level maintenance facility for repair, and a replacement installed.

Removal and installation of a wing are major operations that require experienced personnel and close supervision by a senior petty officer. You should read the airframes section of the applicable MIM carefully before attempting to remove a wing. This manual will give step-by-step instructions for wing removal and installation. It is necessary to follow these instructions to prevent possible damage caused by failure to disconnect or connect units in the proper sequence. Listed below are some general precautions that you should observe when removing and installing a wing or wing section.

1. The aircraft should be placed in a hangar or other area protected from the wind.

2. Make certain all the necessary equipment is available and at hand. A list of the necessary special tools and equipment can be found in the applicable MIM.

3. Ensure that you have sufficient manpower for proper handling.

4. Ensure that all screws, bolts, and other removed fasteners are placed in containers and properly marked to prevent loss.

5. Ensure that all removed fairings are marked and stowed in a safe place.

6. In disconnecting tubing, electrical con-nectors, control cables, and bonding wires, see that the instructions given in the aircraft MIM are carried out.

7. Make certain that all disconnected tubing is capped.

8. If hoisting equipment is to be used, be sure it is in good condition and a qualified operator is available. Also, ensure the hoist fittings are properly installed. Some wings will not balance at their hoist fittings, which makes it necessary to attach guide ropes to keep the wing steady after it is disconnected from the aircraft.

9. Before attempting to remove any structural bolts, make certain that the wing is properly supported with all loads removed from the fittings. A mallet and brass drift pin may be used in removing these bolts.

10. After the wing is removed from the aircraft, all fittings, connections, and unremoved structural members should be inspected for secondary damage before installing the new wing or wing section. (Secondary damage is damage to adjacent structures, which may have resulted from the transmission of the shock or load that caused the primary damage.)

11. Before installing the new wing, you should take advantage of improved accessibility to inspect and repair corrosion damage, and renew preservative coatings in previously inaccessible areas.

The petty officer in charge should ensure that the following general precautions are taken in installing a wing or wing section.

1. Check the identification tag of the new assembly to make sure it is the correct replacement unit.

2. See that extreme care is taken in removing the wing from the container, preventing any possible damage.

3. Inspect the new wing or wing section for possible damage incurred during shipment or removal from the container. The container should be used for shipping the damaged wing to the depot maintenance facility.

4. With the wing in position for installation and properly supported, ensure that all structural bolts are installed and the nuts properly torqued.

The attaching bolts should never be forced; if they bind, check alignment of the wing. Forcing the attaching bolts will result in damage to the wing structure.

5. Make certain that all tubing, electrical con-nectors, control cables, and any other disconnected mechanisms are properly connected.

6. Check the operation of all mechanisms that were disconnected during removal. Make the necessary rigging adjustments in accordance with the applicable MIM before installing access doors and fairings.