AM Inspection & Quality Control 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum allowable torque deviation when using a torque wrench that has NOT been calibrated within its required calibration interval?
- The wrench must not be used until calibrated (Correct answer)
- ±5% of the required torque value
- ±10% of the required torque value
- ±15 in-lb from the specified value
Correct answer: The wrench must not be used until calibrated
An out-of-calibration torque wrench must be removed from service immediately; using it voids traceability of torque values applied to critical fasteners.
Question 2: When performing a borescope inspection of a turbine engine combustion liner, a technician finds a crack that exceeds the manufacturer's serviceable limit. This finding MUST be:
- Documented and the engine removed from service per the manufacturer's limits (Correct answer)
- Repaired in place with approved high-temperature sealant
- Monitored and re-inspected at the next 25-hour check
- Reported to ATC before the next flight
Correct answer: Documented and the engine removed from service per the manufacturer's limits
When a finding exceeds the manufacturer's serviceable limit, the component must be removed from service and repaired or replaced per the maintenance manual.
Question 3: In a quality escape scenario where an unairworthy part was inadvertently installed and the aircraft flew, the repair station is required to notify:
- The FAA and the aircraft operator as soon as the condition is discovered (Correct answer)
- Only the aircraft operator within 72 hours
- Only the FAA during the next scheduled audit
- The NTSB within 10 days
Correct answer: The FAA and the aircraft operator as soon as the condition is discovered
Quality escapes involving installed unairworthy parts require immediate notification to both the FAA and the aircraft operator to enable corrective action.
Question 4: Which of the following is a characteristic of a 'bench check' performed on a removed avionics unit?
- The unit is functionally tested to verify performance before repair or return to service (Correct answer)
- The unit is visually inspected for external damage only
- The unit's weight and balance data are verified
- The unit is tested in the aircraft with engines running
Correct answer: The unit is functionally tested to verify performance before repair or return to service
A bench check is a functional test performed on the shop bench to verify operational performance of a removed component against its specifications.
Question 5: According to AC 43.13-1B, what is the minimum edge distance for a rivet hole from the edge of a sheet metal skin panel?
- 2 times the rivet diameter (Correct answer)
- 1 time the rivet diameter
- 3 times the rivet diameter
- 1.5 times the rivet diameter
Correct answer: 2 times the rivet diameter
AC 43.13-1B specifies a minimum edge distance of 2D (two times the rivet diameter) to prevent skin splitting at rivet holes.
Question 6: A Conformity Inspection performed during aircraft production is primarily intended to verify that:
- The aircraft or part conforms to its type design data (Correct answer)
- The aircraft meets all weight and balance limits
- The engine run-up was completed without discrepancies
- All maintenance personnel hold appropriate certificates
Correct answer: The aircraft or part conforms to its type design data
Conformity inspections confirm that an article matches the approved type design data (drawings, specifications) exactly, ensuring design compliance.
Question 7: When must an IA use a currently effective FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) supplement during an annual inspection?
- When inspecting aircraft equipped with STCs that require an AFM supplement (Correct answer)
- Only when the aircraft has been involved in an accident
- When the aircraft is operated under Part 135
- Only when the engine has been overhauled
Correct answer: When inspecting aircraft equipped with STCs that require an AFM supplement
STCs that affect aircraft operating limitations or performance require an AFM supplement, which the IA must verify is present and current during the annual.
AM Inspection & Quality Control 3
What is the maximum allowable torque deviation when using a torque wrench that has NOT been calibrated within its required calibration interval?