ASI Aircraft Airworthiness Inspection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During an airworthiness inspection, an ASI discovers an aircraft has been operated beyond its service life limits for a structural component. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
- Issue a Notice of Proposed Certificate Action to suspend the airworthiness certificate
- Ground the aircraft until the component is replaced or the issue is resolved through proper engineering evaluation (Correct answer)
- Allow continued operation pending an engineering review within 30 days
- Issue a Letter of Correction and allow 10 days for compliance
Correct answer: Ground the aircraft until the component is replaced or the issue is resolved through proper engineering evaluation
An aircraft operated beyond structural service life limits must be grounded immediately until the issue is properly resolved to prevent potential catastrophic failure.
Question 2: Under 14 CFR Part 43, which maintenance record entry is required after completing a 100-hour inspection on an aircraft?
- A logbook entry signed by the owner acknowledging the work performed
- A signed and dated entry describing work performed, referencing applicable data, and including the certificated person's certificate number (Correct answer)
- An FAA Form 337 filed with the local FSDO within 72 hours
- A maintenance release signed by an AMT with at least three years of experience
Correct answer: A signed and dated entry describing work performed, referencing applicable data, and including the certificated person's certificate number
14 CFR §43.9 requires a signed and dated maintenance record entry that includes a description of work, the date, name, certificate number, and type of certificate of the person performing the work.
Question 3: An ASI is inspecting a transport category aircraft and finds a repair that was accomplished using a non-approved repair station and without a completed FAA Form 337. What regulation has likely been violated?
- 14 CFR §91.409 — failure to comply with inspection requirements
- 14 CFR §43.3 — work performed by an entity not authorized to perform maintenance (Correct answer)
- 14 CFR §121.363 — air carrier maintenance responsibility
- 14 CFR §65.81 — general privileges and limitations of A&P mechanics
Correct answer: 14 CFR §43.3 — work performed by an entity not authorized to perform maintenance
14 CFR §43.3 specifies who is authorized to perform maintenance, and work done by an unauthorized entity violates this provision.
Question 4: When inspecting an aircraft's altimeter system under 14 CFR §91.411, how often must the static system and altimeter be tested and inspected for IFR operations?
- Every 12 calendar months
- Every 24 calendar months (Correct answer)
- Every 100 flight hours
- At each annual inspection
Correct answer: Every 24 calendar months
14 CFR §91.411 requires altimeter systems and automatic pressure altitude reporting systems to be tested within the preceding 24 calendar months for IFR operations.
Question 5: During an airworthiness inspection of a small airplane, the ASI finds a propeller with a crack originating from a bolt hole. The aircraft owner claims a licensed A&P mechanic approved the propeller as airworthy. What should the ASI determine?
- Accept the A&P's determination and note it in the inspection file
- Defer to the aircraft manufacturer's representative for a final determination
- Find the aircraft not airworthy, as propeller cracks are generally cause for rejection per applicable ADs and manufacturer limits (Correct answer)
- Require a second opinion from an FAA-designated engineering representative
Correct answer: Find the aircraft not airworthy, as propeller cracks are generally cause for rejection per applicable ADs and manufacturer limits
Cracks in propellers, especially those originating from stress concentration points like bolt holes, typically render the component unairworthy per manufacturer limits and applicable Airworthiness Directives.
Question 6: Which document establishes the Type Design of a certificated aircraft and defines the configuration against which airworthiness is measured?
- The Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM)
- The Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) (Correct answer)
- The Approved Maintenance Manual (AMM)
- The Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL)
Correct answer: The Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS)
The Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) is the official FAA document that establishes the type design for a certificated aircraft and defines the approved configuration.
Question 7: An ASI is reviewing records for a Part 135 operator. The aircraft had a major alteration performed, but the operator cannot produce an FAA Form 337. What is the significance of the missing form?
- The alteration is still legal if the A&P who performed it can provide a written statement
- The aircraft may be considered not airworthy because the major alteration cannot be verified as FAA-approved (Correct answer)
- Only FAA Form 8010-4 is required for Part 135 major alterations, so the 337 is optional
- The operator has 30 days to reconstruct the records before enforcement action
Correct answer: The aircraft may be considered not airworthy because the major alteration cannot be verified as FAA-approved
FAA Form 337 is the required documentation for major alterations, and without it the alteration cannot be verified as properly approved, potentially rendering the aircraft unairworthy.
ASI Aircraft Airworthiness Inspection 2
During an airworthiness inspection, an ASI discovers an aircraft has been operated beyond its service life limits for a structural component.
What is the most appropriate immediate action?