Definition
To spread, slant, or bevel outward. In aircraft sheet metal and structural repair, a splayed patch is one whose edges are tapered or angled outward rather than cut square, allowing the patch to blend smoothly into the surrounding skin and distribute stress over a wider area.
Plain English
To spread or angle something outward instead of leaving it straight or square. On an aircraft, a splayed patch has slanted, tapered edges so it blends into the surrounding metal rather than sitting on top of it.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance descriptions, landing gear geometry, and structural drawings where parts angle outward from the aircraft.
Derivation
From Middle English 'splayen,' a shortened form of 'displayen' (to spread out or unfold). The 'spreading outward' sense carried into trades like carpentry and metalwork, and from there into aircraft repair.
Why Pilots Care
Splay affects how an aircraft sits on the ground and how loads pass through the landing gear during taxi, landing, and braking.
Intuition Check
Splay does not mean looseness or damage by itself. It means an outward angle or spread, which may be an intentional part of the design.
Example Sentence 1
The technician splayed the edges of the patch so it would lie flush with the fuselage skin.
Example Sentence 2
Too much splay caused uneven tire wear on the left main wheel after several landings.