An aircraft maintenance record entry for a completed repair must include which of the following?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: A description of the work, the date, and the signature and certificate number of the person approving return to service
Rationale: Under 14 CFR 43.9, a maintenance record entry for maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration must contain a description of the work performed, the date of completion, and the name plus signature and certificate number of the person approving the aircraft for return to service. The owner does not sign off the work, and removed-part serial numbers are not a required element of the basic record entry.
How long must a record of maintenance performed on an aircraft be retained under 14 CFR Part 91?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: Until the work is repeated, superseded, or for one year after the work is performed
Rationale: Per 14 CFR 91.417, records of maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations must be retained until the work is repeated, superseded by other work, or for one year after the work is performed. The total-time and inspection-status records are kept permanently and transferred with the aircraft, but the individual maintenance record itself follows the one-year rule.
Compliance with an Airworthiness Directive (AD) is the responsibility of the
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: aircraft owner or operator
Rationale: Under 14 CFR 39 and 91.403, the owner or operator is primarily responsible for maintaining the aircraft in an airworthy condition, which includes ensuring compliance with all applicable Airworthiness Directives. The manufacturer issues service information and the FSDO provides oversight, but neither is responsible for AD compliance on a specific aircraft.
Airworthiness Directives are issued by the FAA primarily to
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: correct an unsafe condition existing in a product
Rationale: Airworthiness Directives are issued under 14 CFR 39 when an unsafe condition is found to exist in a product and that condition is likely to exist in other products of the same type design. ADs are mandatory and regulatory, unlike manufacturer service bulletins, which are typically recommendations.
The primary purpose of an FAA Advisory Circular (AC) is to
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: provide guidance and acceptable means of compliance with the regulations
Rationale: Advisory Circulars provide non-regulatory guidance and describe acceptable methods, techniques, and practices for complying with the regulations. They are not themselves binding rules and do not supersede the CFR; an AC presents one acceptable means of compliance rather than a mandatory requirement.
Which publication contains methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the Administrator for the inspection and repair of nonpressurized civil aircraft?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: AC 43.13-1
Rationale: AC 43.13-1 (Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices—Aircraft Inspection and Repair) provides acceptable methods for repairs when no manufacturer data is available, applicable to nonpressurized areas of civil aircraft. AC 65-9 is the general airframe and powerplant handbook reference and AC 20-62 addresses parts eligibility, so neither serves the repair-methods role of AC 43.13-1.
When making a maintenance record entry, an error in the entry should be corrected by
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: drawing a single line through the error and initialing the change
Rationale: Maintenance records are legal documents, so an error is corrected by drawing a single line through it and initialing, leaving the original entry legible. Erasing or covering an entry with correction fluid destroys the original information and is not acceptable practice for permanent records.
At a certificated repair station, the organization's safety policy and operating procedures are formally documented in the
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: repair station and quality control manual.
Rationale: Under 14 CFR Part 145, a certificated repair station's procedures, including its safety policy, are set out and approved in its repair station and quality control manual. Maintenance planning data and other publications serve different purposes; the controlling document for the organization's procedures is the repair station manual.
The document that lists a chemical product's hazards, safe handling, storage, and first-aid information is the
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Rationale: A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) lists the hazards, handling, storage, and first-aid information for a chemical product such as a resin or solvent, and must be consulted before use. The other expansions are invented and do not relate to the safety documentation that maintenance personnel reference.
Replacement of a wooden spar is classified as
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: a major repair.
Rationale: A spar is a primary structural member, so replacing a wooden spar significantly affects strength and airworthiness and is therefore classified as a major repair under 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A, requiring the appropriate approved data and inspection. It is not a minor repair, and it is not restricted to the manufacturer alone.
Recovering an aircraft with a fabric type different from the original covering is considered
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: a major alteration requiring approved data.
Rationale: Substituting a different type of covering fabric changes the strength, weight, and finishing process of a primary structural surface, so it affects airworthiness. Under 14 CFR Part 43, such a change is a major alteration and must be performed only under FAA-approved data, not as a minor change.
Under 14 CFR Part 43, who may approve a major repair on an airframe for return to service?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: A certificated mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization
Rationale: Per 14 CFR 43.7, a major repair must be approved for return to service by an appropriately rated repair station, the holder of an inspection authorization (IA), a certificated mechanic with the appropriate rating who follows the procedures, or other specified persons. A certificated mechanic without an IA may not approve a major repair for return to service.
According to 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A, which of the following is classified as a major alteration to an airframe?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: A change to the wing or fixed surfaces affecting structural strength
Rationale: Part 43, Appendix A(a) lists airframe major alterations, including changes to the wings, control surfaces, and changes that affect weight and balance or structural strength. Changes to the basic design of the wing are major alterations, while routine servicing tasks are not alterations at all.
How long must records of maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration be retained under 14 CFR 91.417?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: Until the work is repeated, superseded, or for one year after performed
Rationale: Per 14 CFR 91.417(b)(1), records of maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration must be retained until the work is repeated, superseded by other work, or for one year after the work is performed. Records of the total time in service and the current status of life-limited parts are retained until transferred with the aircraft.
Which document is used to record a major repair or major alteration so it can be approved for return to service?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: FAA Form 337
Rationale: FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration, is used to record major repairs and major alterations and to document FAA approval of the data used. It is required by 14 CFR 43.9 and Appendix B for major work, while a logbook entry alone suffices for minor work.
Under 14 CFR 65.81, the privileges of a certificated mechanic are limited such that the mechanic may perform a task only if the mechanic has:
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: Satisfactorily performed that work previously or shown the ability under supervision
Rationale: 14 CFR 65.81(a) provides that a mechanic may not supervise or approve work for return to service unless the mechanic has satisfactorily performed that work at an earlier time, or unless the mechanic has shown the ability to do the work by performing it under supervision. This 'recent experience' rule protects against performing unfamiliar work without demonstrated competence.
Per 14 CFR 65.71, what is the minimum age to be eligible for a mechanic certificate?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: 18 years of age
Rationale: 14 CFR 65.71(a)(1) requires that an applicant for a mechanic certificate be at least 18 years of age. The applicant must also be able to read, write, speak, and understand English and meet the knowledge, experience, and skill requirements.
An Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under 14 CFR Part 39 is best described as:
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: A legally enforceable rule to correct an unsafe condition in a product
Rationale: Under 14 CFR Part 39, Airworthiness Directives are legally enforceable rules issued by the FAA to correct an unsafe condition in a product. Compliance is mandatory, and operating a product in violation of an AD is prohibited. ADs are regulatory, not advisory.
Which of the following maintenance tasks is classified as preventive maintenance under 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: Replacing defective safety wiring or cotter keys
Rationale: Part 43, Appendix A(c) lists preventive maintenance items, which include replacing defective safety wiring or cotter keys and simple/minor preservation operations. Removing and replacing an engine cylinder is not preventive maintenance, and overhauling a magneto is a major task involving complex assembly operations.
Under 14 CFR 43.9, a record of maintenance performed must include all of the following EXCEPT:
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: The original purchase price of the aircraft
Rationale: 14 CFR 43.9(a) requires the maintenance record entry to include a description of the work, the date of completion, the name of the person performing the work, and the signature, certificate number, and kind of certificate of the person approving the work. The aircraft's purchase price is not required in any maintenance record entry.
How does a certificated mechanic indicate that an aircraft is approved for return to service after maintenance, per 14 CFR 43.9?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: By signing the maintenance record with certificate number and kind of certificate
Rationale: Under 14 CFR 43.9, the signature of the person approving the work for return to service, along with the certificate number and kind of certificate held, constitutes the approval for return to service for that maintenance. The signature attests only to the work actually performed, not to the entire aircraft.
An FAA Advisory Circular (AC) is best characterized as:
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: Non-regulatory guidance describing an acceptable means of compliance
Rationale: Advisory Circulars provide guidance and information, or describe acceptable means (but not the only means) of complying with regulations. They are generally not regulatory and not mandatory unless incorporated into a regulation by reference. The 'AC' prefix and numbering system corresponds to the related 14 CFR part.
Under 14 CFR 91.409, which inspection is required for an aircraft operated for hire to carry persons?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: A 100-hour inspection in addition to the annual inspection
Rationale: 14 CFR 91.409(b) requires that an aircraft operated for hire, or used to give flight instruction for hire, be inspected within the preceding 100 hours of time in service in addition to the annual inspection. The 100-hour limit may be exceeded by not more than 10 hours only to reach a place where the inspection can be done.
Per 14 CFR 91.409, who is authorized to perform an annual inspection?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: A mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization
Rationale: An annual inspection must be performed by a person holding an Inspection Authorization, or by an appropriately rated repair station or the manufacturer, per 14 CFR 91.409(a) and 43.7. A 100-hour inspection, by contrast, may be performed by a certificated A&P mechanic without an IA.
A 100-hour inspection may be exceeded under 14 CFR 91.409 by not more than how many hours, and only under what condition?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: 10 hours, only while en route to a place where the inspection can be done
Rationale: 14 CFR 91.409(b) allows the 100-hour limit to be exceeded by not more than 10 hours while en route to reach a place where the inspection can be performed. The excess time is then included in computing the next 100 hours of time in service.
Which 14 CFR part contains the definitions and abbreviations used throughout the Federal Aviation Regulations?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: Part 1
Rationale: 14 CFR Part 1 contains the definitions and abbreviations that apply to the rules in Subchapters A through N of 14 CFR. Mechanics reference Part 1 to interpret terms such as 'maintenance,' 'time in service,' and 'preventive maintenance.'
As defined in 14 CFR Part 1, the term 'time in service,' with respect to maintenance time records, means the time from the moment the aircraft:
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: Leaves the surface until it touches at the next point of landing
Rationale: 14 CFR 1.1 defines 'time in service,' with respect to maintenance time records, as the time from the moment an aircraft leaves the surface of the earth until it touches it at the next point of landing. This is distinct from total flight or block time used for crew records.
Per 14 CFR 65.85 and 65.87, the privileges of a mechanic's airframe and powerplant ratings authorize the holder to perform or supervise:
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: Maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration appropriate to the rating
Rationale: Under 14 CFR 65.85 (airframe rating) and 65.87 (powerplant rating), the holder may perform or supervise the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of an airframe or powerplant appropriate to that rating, and approve and return to service the work performed. A mechanic may not perform a major repair of a propeller or any repair to an instrument.
What is the purpose of FAA Form 8130-3, Authorized Release Certificate?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: To approve parts or articles for return to service or export
Rationale: FAA Form 8130-3, Authorized Release Certificate (Airworthiness Approval Tag), is used to approve newly produced or maintained parts and articles for return to service or for export. It documents the airworthiness status of a component, whereas Form 337 documents major repairs and alterations.
Which of the following is the public-domain FAA publication intended specifically to provide general technical knowledge for the aviation maintenance technician?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: FAA-H-8083-30, Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook—General
Rationale: FAA-H-8083-30, the Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook—General, is the FAA's public-domain reference for general subjects. The Airframe (FAA-H-8083-31) and Powerplant (FAA-H-8083-32) handbooks cover their respective specialized areas.
Under 14 CFR 91.405, who is primarily responsible for ensuring that required maintenance records are maintained for an aircraft?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: The owner or operator of the aircraft
Rationale: 14 CFR 91.405 places the responsibility on the owner or operator of an aircraft to ensure that maintenance personnel make appropriate entries in the records and that the aircraft maintenance records are kept. The mechanic makes the entries, but the owner/operator retains overall responsibility for the records.
When an aircraft inspection is performed and the aircraft is found NOT to be airworthy under 14 CFR 43.11, the person performing the inspection must:
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: Provide the owner a signed and dated list of discrepancies and unairworthy items
Rationale: Per 14 CFR 43.11(a)(5), if the inspection reveals the aircraft is not airworthy, the person must give the owner or lessee a signed and dated list of the discrepancies and unairworthy items. The aircraft is not approved for return to service, but the inspection itself is still recorded as having been performed.
Per 14 CFR 65.91, an applicant for an Inspection Authorization must have held a mechanic certificate with both airframe and powerplant ratings for at least how long?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: 3 years
Rationale: 14 CFR 65.91(c) requires that an applicant for an Inspection Authorization have held a mechanic certificate with both airframe and powerplant ratings for at least 3 years, and have been actively engaged in maintaining aircraft for at least the 2 years preceding application, among other requirements.
As defined in 14 CFR Part 1, 'maintenance' means:
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: Inspection, overhaul, repair, preservation, and replacement of parts
Rationale: 14 CFR 1.1 defines 'maintenance' as inspection, overhaul, repair, preservation, and the replacement of parts, but excludes preventive maintenance. Understanding this definition is essential because the regulations treat maintenance and preventive maintenance differently with respect to who may perform and approve the work.
A Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) is a regulatory document that primarily specifies:
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: The approved type design limitations and configuration of the product
Rationale: The Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) is the official FAA document that defines the type design and lists the conditions and limitations necessary to meet airworthiness requirements, such as approved engine models, control surface travel, weight limits, fuel, and placards. Mechanics consult the TCDS to verify configuration conformity.
Under 14 CFR 43.5, before approving a maintained aircraft for return to service, the maintenance record entry made under 43.9 or 43.11 must be:
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: Made before the aircraft is approved for return to service
Rationale: 14 CFR 43.5 prohibits approving an aircraft, airframe, engine, propeller, appliance, or component part for return to service after maintenance unless the maintenance record entry required by 43.9 or 43.11 has been made, and (for major repairs/alterations) Form 337 has been completed. The entry must exist before the return to service is valid.
Manufacturer's Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) are significant to a mechanic because they:
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: Provide FAA-required maintenance and inspection information to keep the product airworthy
Rationale: Instructions for Continued Airworthiness are required by the certification rules and provide the maintenance, inspection, and overhaul information needed to keep a product airworthy. Under 14 CFR 43.13, they are an acceptable source of methods, techniques, and practices, and they include items such as Airworthiness Limitations.
Under 14 CFR 65.95, the holder of an Inspection Authorization may exercise IA privileges as long as the certificate is renewed. How often must an IA be renewed?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: Every two years (biennially), expiring March 31 of each odd-numbered year
Rationale: Per 14 CFR 65.92 and 65.93, an Inspection Authorization expires on March 31 of each odd-numbered year and must be renewed by meeting the activity or examination requirements within the preceding biennial period. This biennial renewal ensures the IA remains current in inspection privileges.
Under 14 CFR 43.3, a person working under the supervision of a certificated mechanic may perform maintenance, but may NOT:
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: Approve the work for return to service after a required inspection
Rationale: 14 CFR 43.3(d) allows a person to work under the supervision of a certificated mechanic or repairman, provided the supervisor personally observes the work to the extent necessary and is readily available. However, that person may NOT supervise the maintenance of, or approve and return to service, any aircraft or component after a 100-hour, annual, or progressive inspection.
What distinguishes a Special Airworthiness Certificate from a Standard Airworthiness Certificate?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: It is issued for aircraft in special categories such as experimental or restricted
Rationale: A Standard Airworthiness Certificate (FAA Form 8100-2) is issued for aircraft in the normal, utility, acrobatic, commuter, or transport category. A Special Airworthiness Certificate (FAA Form 8130-7) is issued for aircraft in categories such as experimental, restricted, limited, light-sport, or provisional, each with operating limitations.
When a manufacturer's Service Bulletin (SB) addresses the same condition as an Airworthiness Directive (AD), which one is mandatory for the aircraft owner/operator?
ACS code: AM.I.I
Correct answer: The Airworthiness Directive, because it is regulatory under Part 39
Rationale: An Airworthiness Directive issued under 14 CFR Part 39 is mandatory and legally enforceable. A manufacturer's Service Bulletin is, by itself, recommended rather than mandatory unless it is referenced and incorporated into an AD or required by the operator's approved maintenance program. The AD always carries the legal compliance requirement.