Definition
Metal that has been rolled into thin, flat sheets of uniform thickness, used in aircraft construction for skins, ribs, bulkheads, fairings, and structural components. In aviation, sheet metal is most commonly aluminum alloy, though stainless steel, titanium, and magnesium sheets are also used for specific applications.
Plain English
Flat, thin pieces of metal — usually aluminum — that are cut, bent, and riveted together to form the skin and internal structure of an aircraft.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance, airframe repair, and preflight discussions about dents, cracks, loose panels, or damaged aircraft skin.
Why Pilots Care
Most modern aircraft are built primarily from sheet metal. Understanding the term helps when reading maintenance logs, discussing repairs with a mechanic, or inspecting the aircraft for damage such as dents, cracks, or corrosion in the skin.
Intuition Check
Do not read “sheet metal” as just any flat piece of metal. In aircraft work, it means approved metal material of the right type, thickness, and condition for the specific aircraft part or repair.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic ordered a sheet metal patch to repair a small dent on the lower wing skin.
Example Sentence 2
Proper riveting technique is essential when working with sheet metal to maintain structural integrity.