Composite materials had become one of the most important materials for aircraft structures. However, there is still a certain gap between the application of composite materials in China and the world’s advanced level. The typical feature is that the proportion of composite materials is relatively low. Compared with metal structures, the connection is the weak link in the assembly and manufacturing of composite structures. The riveting of composite structures has a positive effect on aircraft weight reduction and manufacturing cost control, but the riveting of composite materials is prone to damage, which limits its application in key connection parts. In this paper, the mechanical connection technology of aviation composite structure, especially the application of riveting technology, is systematically introduced, including riveting process and method, composite riveting structure and fasteners used in composite riveting. The damage of the composite material during riveting mainly includes three aspects: The damage in the hole making process, the impact damage on the surface of the composite material structure during riveting, and the extrusion damage to the composite material when the upsetting head is formed and the nail rod is expanded. This paper focuses on the impact damage to composite materials caused by the installation process and the extrusion damage to composite materials caused by the expansion of rivets, and puts forward corresponding solutions, mainly from reducing the extrusion degree of composite materials caused by the expansion of nail bars and taking protective measures for composite materials. Combining with the comparison of relevant research conclusions, it is concluded that formulating reasonable process specifications, adopting advanced riveting process methods and paying attention to the protection of gaskets can effectively suppress the riveting damage of composite materials and improve the riveting quality of composite materials. Finally, the development of composite riveting technology is prospected.