Mixed Deck — All A&P Topics Flashcards

How often must an A&P mechanic complete recurrent training to maintain their certificate?

Answer: No recurrent training is required

Unlike pilots, FAA-certified A&P mechanics are not required to complete recurrent training to maintain the validity of their certificate. However, they must remain current in their knowledge and skills to exercise the privileges of their certificate. Many mechanics choose to attend industry seminars or manufacturer training to stay updated with new technologies and regulations, but it is not a regulatory requirement for certificate renewal.

What type of pump is typically used as the electric boost pump in an aircraft fuel system?

Answer: Centrifugal pump

Electric boost pumps are typically centrifugal type, providing low-pressure fuel flow to assist the engine-driven pump during start and as a backup.

According to FAA regulations, who is authorized to approve an aircraft for return to service after major repairs?

Answer: A mechanic with an Inspection Authorization (IA)

According to FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 65), only a mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization (IA) is authorized to approve an aircraft for return to service after major repairs or alterations. This additional certification signifies that the mechanic has met specific experience and knowledge requirements to perform and supervise complex maintenance tasks, ensuring the aircraft's continued airworthiness.

A pilot reports hearing a loud bang from the engine, followed by a rapid rise in Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) and a loss of thrust. These symptoms are most indicative of which condition?

Answer: Compressor stall or surge

A compressor stall or surge is a breakdown of airflow through the compressor. This disruption can cause a momentary or complete reversal of airflow, resulting in a loud bang. The disruption starves the combustor of air, leading to an overly rich fuel-air mixture that burns in the turbine section, causing a rapid EGT spike and a significant loss of thrust.

A technician is troubleshooting an electrical issue and needs to distribute power from a single source to multiple circuits. What component is specifically designed for this purpose in an aircraft electrical system?

Answer: A bus bar

A bus bar is a metallic strip or bar that serves as a common connection point for multiple electrical circuits, distributing electricity from a single source (like a generator or battery) to various systems.

A technician is performing an internal timing check on a magneto. The E-gap is defined as the point where the:

Answer: breaker points begin to open, a few degrees of rotation past the magnetic neutral position.

The E-gap, or efficiency gap, is the precise point in the magneto's rotation, just past the neutral position, where the breaker contact points are set to open. This position ensures the most rapid rate of change in magnetic flux, which induces the maximum voltage in the primary coil for the strongest spark.

What is the most common cause of water contamination in aircraft fuel tanks?

Answer: Water condensation forming when moist air in partially filled tanks cools

Water condensation is the most common fuel contaminant, occurring when humid air trapped in partially filled tanks condenses as ambient temperatures drop overnight.

What is the purpose of an FAA Form 337?

Answer: To record major repairs or alterations

An FAA Form 337, "Major Repair and Alteration," is a mandatory document used to record significant maintenance actions that affect an aircraft's airworthiness. This form details the work performed, the materials used, and the methods employed for major repairs or alterations. It ensures that such critical changes are properly documented and approved, maintaining a comprehensive record of the aircraft's configuration and compliance with safety standards.

What is the primary purpose of a fuel strainer (gascolator) in an aircraft fuel system?

Answer: To remove water and sediment from the fuel

The fuel strainer (gascolator) filters out water and sediment from the fuel to prevent contaminants from reaching the carburetor or fuel injectors and causing engine problems.

What action must a mechanic take if they find an unairworthy condition during an inspection?

Answer: Record the discrepancy and prevent the aircraft from being used until repaired

If an A&P mechanic discovers an unairworthy condition during an inspection, they are legally and ethically obligated to record the discrepancy in the aircraft's logbook. More importantly, they must prevent the aircraft from being returned to service until the condition is rectified and the aircraft is deemed airworthy again. This strict adherence to safety ensures the protection of pilots, passengers, and the public.

What is the function of a wing spar in the airframe?

Answer: To provide the primary structural support for the wings.

Wing spars are the primary structural members that run spanwise through the wings, extending from the fuselage to the wingtip. Their crucial function is to carry the main bending loads and shear forces experienced by the wing during flight. This provides the essential strength and rigidity required for the wing structure to support the aircraft.

After replacing a fuel control unit on a turbofan engine, the maintenance manual calls for an engine trim check. What is the primary objective of this procedure?

Answer: To adjust the fuel control to ensure the engine produces rated thrust at specified limits

Trimming a turbine engine involves making fine adjustments to the fuel control system. The goal is to ensure the engine's performance parameters (like Engine Pressure Ratio (EPR), fan speed (N1), or Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT)) are within the manufacturer's specified limits for a given power lever setting, thus ensuring it can produce its rated thrust without exceeding operational limits.

What is the primary purpose of an airframe in an aircraft?

Answer: To provide structural support and aerodynamic surfaces.

The airframe is the fundamental mechanical structure of an aircraft, encompassing components like the fuselage, wings, and empennage. Its primary purpose is to provide robust structural support to withstand flight loads and to form the necessary aerodynamic surfaces for generating lift and control. It also houses all the aircraft's systems, crew, passengers, and cargo.

What is the purpose of fuel tank vents in an aircraft fuel system?

Answer: To maintain atmospheric pressure in the tank and allow proper fuel flow as fuel is consumed

Fuel tank vents maintain atmospheric pressure inside the tanks, preventing tank collapse from internal vacuum and ensuring consistent fuel flow to the engine as fuel is consumed.

An aircraft's hydraulic system is equipped with an accumulator. What is a primary function of this component?

Answer: To store fluid under pressure to supplement the pump and absorb pressure surges.

A hydraulic accumulator is a pressure storage reservoir that holds hydraulic fluid under pressure, typically from compressed nitrogen gas. Its primary functions include supplementing the system pump during peak demand, absorbing pressure surges and shocks, and providing a source of emergency pressure in the event of pump failure.

A maintenance technician discovers a small crack propagating from a rivet hole in an aluminum alloy skin panel. According to standard repair practices, what is the immediate and primary action to be taken to prevent further propagation before a permanent repair is made?

Answer: Stop-drill the end of the crack.

Stop-drilling is the correct immediate action to halt the growth of a crack. By drilling a small hole at the very tip of the crack, the sharp stress concentration at the crack's end is redistributed around the larger radius of the hole, which effectively stops or significantly slows its propagation. This allows for a permanent repair, such as a patch, to be performed later.

How often must an Annual Inspection be performed on a certificated aircraft?

Answer: Every 12 calendar months

According to FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 91.409), a certificated aircraft operating under Part 91 must undergo an Annual Inspection every 12 calendar months. This inspection must be performed by an A&P mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization (IA). This ensures the aircraft remains airworthy and safe for flight operations.

An A&P mechanic completes a major repair to an aircraft's primary structure. According to 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix B, what is the required disposition of the completed FAA Form 337?

Answer: One copy to the aircraft owner, and one copy forwarded to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch in Oklahoma City within 48 hours.

14 CFR Part 43, Appendix B specifies the recording requirements for major repairs and alterations. It states that the person performing the work must execute FAA Form 337 in at least duplicate, give a signed copy to the aircraft owner, and forward a copy to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch in Oklahoma City within 48 hours of the aircraft being approved for return to service.

An aircraft hydraulic system is powered by a constant-displacement pump. To prevent pump and system overload when no services are being operated, what component diverts the full output of the pump back to the reservoir at low pressure?

Answer: Unloading valve

A constant-displacement pump moves a fixed volume of fluid with each revolution. An unloading valve is used to automatically divert the pump's output to the reservoir at low pressure when system pressure reaches a set point. This 'unloads' the pump, reducing power consumption and heat generation, while a check valve maintains pressure in the system. A pressure relief valve is a safety device for over-pressurization, not for normal unloading.

What is the purpose of corrosion prevention in airframe maintenance?

Answer: To maintain structural strength and longevity.

Corrosion prevention is paramount in airframe maintenance because corrosion can severely degrade the structural integrity of aircraft components, leading to reduced strength and potential failure. Implementing effective corrosion control measures ensures the aircraft's continued airworthiness, extends its service life, and maintains overall flight safety. It is a continuous process.