ASI - Aviation Safety Inspector Aircraft Airworthiness Inspection Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) is reviewing the maintenance records of a Cessna 172 used for flight instruction. The records indicate a 100-hour inspection was completed 95 flight hours ago. The ASI notes that the last annual inspection was completed 11 calendar months ago. The operator insists the aircraft is airworthy. Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the aircraft's inspection status?
- The aircraft is not airworthy because a 100-hour inspection is due.
- The aircraft is airworthy because it is still within the 12-calendar-month annual inspection period. (Correct answer)
- The aircraft is airworthy, as a 100-hour inspection can be exceeded by up to 10 hours.
- The aircraft is not airworthy because an annual inspection supersedes a 100-hour inspection.
Correct answer: The aircraft is airworthy because it is still within the 12-calendar-month annual inspection period.
According to 14 CFR 91.409, an aircraft operated for hire, such as for flight instruction, must have either an annual inspection every 12 calendar months or a 100-hour inspection within the preceding 100 hours of service. While an annual inspection can take the place of a 100-hour inspection, a 100-hour inspection does not replace the requirement for an annual inspection. Since the annual inspection is still current (completed 11 months ago), the aircraft remains airworthy.
Question 2: During a ramp inspection, an ASI discovers that a required Airworthiness Directive (AD) with a one-time compliance requirement has not been documented in the aircraft's maintenance records. The aircraft owner states the work was completed but the mechanic forgot to make the entry. What is the immediate airworthiness status of the aircraft?
- The aircraft is considered airworthy until the next scheduled inspection.
- The aircraft's airworthiness is not affected if the owner can provide a verbal confirmation.
- A special flight permit is automatically granted to allow the aircraft to be flown to a maintenance facility.
- The aircraft is considered unairworthy until the proper maintenance record entry is made. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The aircraft is considered unairworthy until the proper maintenance record entry is made.
14 CFR 91.403 places the responsibility on the owner or operator for maintaining an aircraft in an airworthy condition, which includes ensuring compliance with all ADs. Furthermore, 14 CFR 43.9 requires that all maintenance, including compliance with ADs, be properly documented in the maintenance records. Without the required entry, there is no proof of compliance, rendering the aircraft unairworthy.
Question 3: An ASI is tasked with evaluating a major alteration on a small, single-engine aircraft. The alteration was documented on an FAA Form 337. Which of the following is the primary responsibility of the ASI when reviewing this form and the alteration?
- To verify the cost-effectiveness of the alteration.
- To ensure the alteration data has been FAA-approved and the work conforms to that data. (Correct answer)
- To confirm the aesthetic appearance of the alteration meets industry standards.
- To personally flight-test the aircraft to assess performance changes.
Correct answer: To ensure the alteration data has been FAA-approved and the work conforms to that data.
When inspecting a major alteration, the ASI's primary role is to determine that the alteration data has FAA approval and that the work was performed in conformity with that approved data. This ensures the alteration does not adversely affect the aircraft's airworthiness. The ASI also ensures the alteration is compatible with other existing installations.
Question 4: Which of the following documents grants an operator-specific authorization to operate an aircraft with certain inoperative equipment, provided it is not less restrictive than the aircraft's Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL)?
- Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
- Airworthiness Certificate
- Minimum Equipment List (MEL) (Correct answer)
- Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS)
Correct answer: Minimum Equipment List (MEL)
A Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is an FAA-approved document that allows an aircraft to be operated with specific equipment inoperative under certain conditions. The operator develops their specific MEL based on the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) provided by the manufacturer, but the MEL cannot be less restrictive than the MMEL.
Question 5: An aircraft has sustained damage that may require a major repair. An ASI would refer to which regulation to find the definition of a 'major repair' to determine if an FAA Form 337 is required?
- 14 CFR Part 21
- 14 CFR Part 91
- 14 CFR Part 65
- 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A, provides the definitions and lists of items that are considered major repairs, major alterations, and preventive maintenance. An ASI would use this appendix to determine if the repair in question meets the definition of a major repair, which would then necessitate the completion of an FAA Form 337.
Question 6: An ASI is inspecting a newly imported aircraft that has not yet received a U.S. airworthiness certificate. The aircraft has a certificate from its country of manufacture. To receive a Standard Airworthiness Certificate in the United States, the aircraft must conform to what?
- The current airworthiness standards of its country of manufacture.
- Its FAA-approved Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) and be in a condition for safe operation. (Correct answer)
- The maintenance program of its previous foreign operator.
- The standards outlined in the aircraft's flight manual exclusively.
Correct answer: Its FAA-approved Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) and be in a condition for safe operation.
For an aircraft to be eligible for a Standard Airworthiness Certificate, the FAA must find that the aircraft conforms to its type design, which is detailed in the Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS). Additionally, the aircraft must be in a condition for safe operation. This applies to both newly manufactured and imported aircraft seeking U.S. certification.
ASI - Aviation Safety Inspector Aircraft Airworthiness Inspection Questions and Answers 1
An Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) is reviewing the maintenance records of a Cessna 172 used for flight instruction.
The records indicate a 100-hour inspection was completed 95 flight hours ago.
The ASI notes that the last annual inspection was completed 11 calendar months ago.
The operator insists the aircraft is airworthy.
Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the aircraft's inspection status?