Aerospace Workers

Aircraft needed materials that could withstand high heat, vibration and friction. Some brake components, engine insulation, heat shields, gaskets and electrical insulation were made with asbestos in earlier decades. Workers who installed, repaired or modified these parts could encounter it regularly. Grinding, cutting, drilling or fitting components to size created dust in the work area. If you worked in aerospace, describe the parts and systems you worked on, such as engines, brakes, exhaust systems or wiring, and how often you shaped or trimmed heat-resistant materials. Tooling and cleanup practices in your department are worth describing as well.

Many aerospace workers built or maintained military aircraft, either as civilian employees of manufacturers or as service members in maintenance units. Military aircraft maintenance could involve similar heat-resistant materials. Veterans who worked on aircraft may have both VA benefits and claims against the manufacturers of the products. Civilian workers may have product claims and, depending on the facts, other benefits. Knowing which aircraft, programs or bases you worked on, and when, helps focus the investigation on the right products and companies. Unit histories, base assignments and technical training records can help place you on specific aircraft during specific years.

Aerospace manufacturers often maintained detailed employment, security and training records. These can confirm your job titles, departments, buildings and dates. Some facilities are known from past asbestos claims, which may mean information about the materials used there already exists. Your part is to describe your work and locations as specifically as you can. Coworkers from the same plants can help confirm which materials were present and how they were handled, especially in departments where records are thin. Security badges, service pins and plant newsletters can also help confirm when you worked in specific buildings and departments.

1. 1

   List the aircraft, programs or systems you worked on and the approximate years for each.

2. 2

   Describe tasks that involved grinding, cutting or fitting heat-resistant parts or insulation.

3. 3

   Request employment and training records from the facilities where you worked.

4. 4

   Veterans should gather service records that show aircraft maintenance assignments and bases.