The Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM) rating maintained aircraft airframes, hydraulic systems, landing gear, flight control surfaces, and aircraft brake assemblies. The publicly filed asbestos litigation record documents AM exposure from asbestos-containing aircraft brake assemblies supplied to the Navy by Goodyear, Goodrich, and other brake manufacturers; asbestos in aircraft landing gear systems; asbestos firewall insulation; and asbestos in aircraft structural components — with documented mesothelioma cases among aircraft maintenance workers whose exposure profile matches the AM rating.

Aircraft brakes were one of the most heavily asbestos-containing components in the inventory, and AMs who replaced, inspected, and serviced brake assemblies generated asbestos fiber in direct proportion to the frequency of that maintenance work.

Documented Exposure Sources

Aircraft Brakes — Named Manufacturers with Asbestos Claims

Aircraft Brake Exposure — Direct Testimony

Aircraft Landing Gear — Asbestos Systems

Aircraft Firewall and Structure — Asbestos Insulation

Mesothelioma in Aircraft Maintenance Workers

The Aviation Structural Mechanic rating qualifies for VA service connection under VA asbestos-claim guidance based on documented asbestos exposure from asbestos-containing aircraft brake assemblies (directly named in litigation by Goodyear, Goodrich, and other manufacturers), asbestos in aircraft landing gear systems, and asbestos-containing firewall insulation. The corpus documents mesothelioma directly among aircraft maintenance workers — the AM’s occupational cohort.

Key documents for an AM claim:

  • DD-214 Block 11 — primary specialty showing AM rate
  • Ship and squadron assignments — carrier or shore-based duty with aircraft maintenance assignments
  • Aircraft types maintained — specific aircraft types (carrier-based fighters, attack aircraft, trainers) with documented asbestos brake and landing gear components
  • Diagnosis — mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis, or pleural disease

Civil claims may run against Goodyear, B.F. Goodrich, and other aircraft brake manufacturers, against aircraft manufacturers for asbestos-containing structural components, and against manufacturers of asbestos firewall insulation materials.

Free, confidential case evaluation: Speak with O’Brien Law Firm — (314) 936-2956

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Documented asbestos exposure information derived from publicly filed asbestos litigation records. This does not constitute legal or medical advice.