If four bolts are installed instead of the required number of rivets for a .064-inch thick aluminum splice, how should you proceed?

In this scenario, the decision to disapprove the repair due to the use of bolts instead of the required rivets for a .064-inch thick aluminum splice is grounded in established aviation maintenance regulations and engineering principles. Rivets and bolts are designed for different applications, and the use of the wrong fastening method can compromise structural integrity.

Rivets, especially in thinner materials such as .064-inch aluminum, are often used because they provide a uniform pressure around the fastened area and are generally more suited for load distribution in these specific thicknesses. The structural characteristics of rivets allow them to behave differently under shear and tensile loads compared to bolts, meaning they can better accommodate environmental factors such as vibration, expansion, and contraction over time.

Furthermore, aviation regulations outline the appropriate methods and materials to ensure airworthiness. By not adhering to the prescribed fastener type, the repair may not meet regulatory standards, which are in place to ensure safety. Therefore, the use of bolts is not permissible in this instance, making disapproval the correct course of action.