When drilling pilot holes through the skin panel, which part is used as a guide?

When drilling pilot holes through a skin panel, stringers are essential as they provide structural support and alignment for the drilling process. Stringers are longitudinal members that run along the length of the aircraft structure, typically beneath the skin panel. They create a rigid surface, ensuring that the drilling remains accurate and consistent, minimizing the risk of compromising the structural integrity of the panels or misaligning the holes.

Utilizing stringers as guides helps to maintain precise measurements and locations for the pilot holes, which are critical for subsequent assembly operations, such as fastener installation. The correct alignment and spacing afforded by stringers not only facilitate the assembly process but also uphold the overall quality and safety standards required in aerospace manufacturing.