Definition
A repair performed on a load-bearing part of an aircraft (such as the airframe, skin, spars, or composite panels) to restore its original strength, shape, and airworthiness following damage, wear, or defect. Structural repairs must be carried out in accordance with approved data — typically the manufacturer's Structural Repair Manual (SRM), an FAA-approved repair scheme, or AC 43.13 — and signed off by an appropriately rated mechanic.
Plain English
A repair to a part of the aircraft that carries loads and keeps the airframe strong. It must be done using approved instructions and signed off by a qualified mechanic, because the part has to be just as strong after the repair as it was when it was new.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance and airworthiness discussions, especially when comparing metal aircraft to composite aircraft.
Derivation
Structural comes from words meaning “to build or arrange.” Repair comes from a word meaning “to make ready again.” Together, the term points to making a built, strength-bearing part ready and safe again.
Why Pilots Care
Improper work can leave hidden weaknesses that lead to in-flight failure; correct repairs are required for continued airworthiness.
Intuition Check
Do not assume structural repair means any repair on the aircraft. Here, structural means the repair affects a part that helps carry flight, landing, or handling forces.
Example Sentence 1
After a hard landing bent the nose gear mount, the aircraft was grounded pending a structural repair per the manufacturer's SRM.
Example Sentence 2
The composite wing required a structural repair that involved layering new material to match the original strength.