Choosing the right aviation welding company is crucial for aircraft safety, performance, and longevity. Aviation welding is a specialized field requiring precision, adherence to strict regulations, and extensive expertise. A poorly executed welding job can lead to compromised structural integrity, safety hazards, and costly repairs.

But how do you ensure you're hiring the best aviation welding service provider? The answer lies in asking the right questions before making your decision.

In this guide, we’ll cover the top five essential questions to ask before hiring an aviation welding company. 

Whether you need emergency repairs, structural modifications, or routine maintenance, these questions will help you evaluate expertise, compliance, turnaround times, and more.

1. Are You Certified for Aircraft Welding?

Aviation welding is highly regulated, and certification ensures the company follows strict industry safety and quality standards. Aircraft components must withstand extreme conditions, including high-altitude pressure changes, temperature fluctuations, and stress from repeated use. 

Welding in aviation must be flawless, as even a minor defect can compromise the aircraft’s structural integrity and lead to catastrophic failures.

What to Look For

When considering a welding services provider in Canada, ask if they have the following certifications:

• Transport Canada AMO (Approved Maintenance Organization) Certification – Required for any company performing maintenance on Canadian-registered aircraft.
• AWS D17.1 Specification Compliance – The gold standard for aerospace fusion welding, covering both structural and non-structural welding requirements.
• NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defence Contractors Accreditation Program) Certification – Ensures that a welding provider meets the stringent requirements for aerospace welding.
• CSA W47.1 Certification – A Canadian standard for fusion welding of aluminum and steel, required for structural aircraft components.
• AS9100 Certification – A widely recognized aerospace quality management system standard that ensures adherence to aviation industry best practices.

Red Flags to Avoid

• Companies that cannot provide certification details or hesitate to share them.
• Businesses that offer general welding services but lack aviation-specific expertise.
• Companies that claim compliance but cannot provide documentation of past audits or approvals.

For further guidance, check the Transport Canada Maintenance and Manufacturing Advisory to verify compliance requirements.

2. What Experience Do You Have with Aircraft Welding?

Aviation welding differs from general metal fabrication. It requires specialized knowledge of aircraft structures, metallurgy, and aerodynamics. 

A minor miscalculation in welding thickness, material choice, or technique can result in structural weakness, making the aircraft unsafe to fly.

What to Ask

• How long have you been providing aviation welding services?
• What types of aircraft have you worked on? (Commercial, military, private, experimental, etc.)
• Can you provide references or case studies of past projects?
• Do you have experience with critical aircraft components such as engine mounts, exhaust systems, or airframes?
• What kind of post-weld inspections and quality checks do you conduct?

Industry-Specific Expertise

A company with decades of experience and a strong reputation, such as Acorn Welding, is a great choice for aviation welding services. Their expertise spans various aircraft structures, engine mounts, exhaust systems, and airframe welding, ensuring safety and compliance.

3. What Welding Techniques and Materials Do You Specialize In?

Aircraft are made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and nickel alloys. Each requires a specific welding technique, and not all welding shops are equipped to handle aviation-grade materials.

Key Welding Techniques in Aviation

• TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) Welding – Ideal for precise, high-strength welding of thin aerospace materials.
• MIG (Metal Inert Gas) Welding – Used for thicker materials and structural repairs.
• Resistance Spot Welding – Common in aircraft sheet metal fabrication.
• Electron Beam and Laser Welding – High-precision methods for aerospace manufacturing and component repairs.
• Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) – Used for extremely fine, high-strength welds in delicate aviation components.

What to Ask

• Do you specialize in TIG welding for aerospace applications?
• Are you experienced in working with titanium and high-performance alloys?
• Do you use advanced inspection techniques such as X-ray and ultrasonic testing?
• Can you perform on-site welding services for urgent repairs?

4. Do You Follow Strict Aviation Safety and Compliance Standards?

Aircraft components must meet stringent safety standards to prevent failures. A professional aviation welding company should have a comprehensive quality control system and follow all aviation regulatory standards.

What to Verify

• Adherence to Transport Canada, FAA, and EASA regulations.
• Use of industry-approved welding materials and techniques.
• Detailed documentation, including weld mapping and traceability reports.
• Nondestructive testing (NDT) such as ultrasonic, radiographic, or magnetic particle inspections.

To understand international aviation welding safety regulations, refer to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Maintenance Regulations.

5. What Is Your Turnaround Time for Repairs and Maintenance?

Aircraft downtime means financial losses, delays, and operational inefficiencies. A trusted welding provider should offer quick turnaround times without compromising quality.

What to Ask

• Do you offer expedited services for urgent repairs?
• What is your average turnaround time for different types of welding projects?
• Can you handle on-site welding if needed?
• Do you have a team available for after-hours or weekend emergency services?

Why Acorn Welding?

Companies like Acorn Welding prioritize efficiency without sacrificing precision. Their ability to perform rapid, high-quality welding repairs makes them a go-to choice for aviation professionals.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Verify certifications (Transport Canada AMO, FAA, EASA, NADCAP). 

✅ Choose a provider with aviation-specific experience. 

✅ Ensure they specialize in TIG welding and high-performance materials. 

✅ Confirm adherence to safety and compliance standards. 

✅ Ask about turnaround times and emergency repair options.

Looking for a trusted aviation welding company in Canada? Acorn Welding provides expert aircraft welding services, ensuring safety, precision, and fast turnaround times.

Contact us now.