A splayed patch may be used if the hole can be cleared out to a diameter of less than how many thicknesses of the skin?

• A. Less than 15 thicknesses of the skin.
• B. Less than 2 thicknesses.
• C. Less than 50 thicknesses.
• D. Greater than 15 thicknesses.

Answer: (A)

A splayed patch is used when the hole after removing damaged skin is still small enough that the remaining material can be effectively loaded around the patch. Keeping the cleared-out diameter under 15 times the skin thickness provides enough undisturbed base around the hole to bevel or flare the edges and to attach the patch with proper fasteners and edge support. This ensures the repair distributes load and minimizes stress concentrations, which is essential for fatigue life. If the hole were larger than about 15 skin thicknesses, a splayed patch wouldn’t provide adequate support and a different repair method would be required.