Each manufacturer has different techniques for building an aircraft. The differences include the types of materials for the airframe and controls, locations of attachment points and designs for different systems. Knowing how to dismantle the aircraft requires knowing how it was put together. Contact the manufacturer to get the maintenance manuals and any other pertinent information related to the aircraft. Inventory and evaluate the tools necessary to complete the job. Be certain that each tool used is proper for the task at hand and know how to use each tool safely. Using a tool incorrectly or using one that is not specifically designed for the type of work can result in injury or death.
Have all of the potential hazards removed from the aircraft before starting to work. All of the fuel should be removed from the fuel tanks, and the tanks should be properly cleaned and vented to be certain that there are no vapors that can ignite. Drain all of the oil from the engine and supporting systems, as well as any point on the aircraft that contains hydraulic fluid. Disconnect and remove the battery and all other sources of electricity, to avoid potential shocks or fires during the dismantling process.
Pick an area to dismantle the aircraft that is away from any waterways, such as rivers or streams, to avoid accidentally spilling any fluids that can cause environmental hazards. Evaluate the facility that the work will be conducted in to be certain it will meet all of your needs. Check the available electrical supply and crosscheck it against the type of tools that you will use, to avoid overloading circuits. The facility should be well ventilated, particularly if you plan to use materials that produce any sort of emissions. Pick a facility that is large enough to remove and store parts, to avoid tripping hazards or creating piles of parts that can easily fall over.
Use the safety equipment recommended with the tools that you will use. Some of the basic items include eye, hearing and head protection; work gloves; steel-toed boots; and fire extinguishers. Consult the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to determine the best safety practices.
