Who is responsible for complying with an Airworthiness Directive?

The owner or operator of the aircraft. They are responsible for keeping it in an airworthy condition, and that includes complying with every applicable AD and having the compliance properly recorded. A mechanic who performs and signs for AD work is responsible for that work, but the continuing obligation to track and comply stays with the owner or operator.

Are FAA advisory circulars mandatory?

No. An advisory circular is nonregulatory guidance that shows one acceptable way of meeting a rule, and a different method may be used if it satisfies the regulation. An AC becomes binding in practice only when a regulation, an Airworthiness Directive, or a set of approved data specifically requires that method be used for the job at hand.

How do I correct a mistake in a maintenance record entry?

Do not erase, black out, or tear out the entry. Standard practice is to draw a single line through the incorrect information so it stays legible, initial and date the correction, and then make a complete and correct entry. The record is supposed to show the full history of the aircraft, including the fact that something was corrected.

How long do aircraft maintenance records have to be kept?

Records of maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations are kept until that work is repeated, superseded by other work, or for one year after completion. A separate permanent set - total time in service, life-limited part status, time since overhaul, current inspection status, AD compliance status, and major alteration records - is kept under the Part 91 rules and transferred to the buyer at sale.

An aircraft maintenance record entry for a completed repair must include which of the following?

A description of the work, the date, and the signature and certificate number of the person approving return to service

A description of the work, the date, and the manufacturer's serial number of each part removed

A description of the work, the date, and the registered owner's signature acknowledging the repair

How long must a record of maintenance performed on an aircraft be retained under 14 CFR Part 91?

Until the work is repeated, superseded, or for one year after the work is performed

Until the work is repeated, superseded, or for two years after the work is performed

Until the aircraft is sold, transferred, or permanently removed from service

Compliance with an Airworthiness Directive (AD) is the responsibility of the

local Flight Standards District Office

Airworthiness Directives are issued by the FAA primarily to

correct an unsafe condition existing in a product

announce the availability of replacement parts

recommend optional improvements to a product

The primary purpose of an FAA Advisory Circular (AC) is to

provide guidance and acceptable means of compliance with the regulations

establish mandatory requirements that supersede the regulations

list the approved repair stations within a given region

When making a maintenance record entry, an error in the entry should be corrected by

drawing a single line through the error and initialing the change

obscuring the error with correction fluid and rewriting it

erasing the error completely and writing the correct information

At a certificated repair station, the organization's operating procedures and quality-control system are formally documented in the

repair station and quality control manual.

aircraft flight manual supplement.

manufacturer's maintenance planning data.

The document that lists a chemical product's hazards, safe handling, storage, and first-aid information is the

Maximum Structural Design System.

Replacement of a wooden spar is classified as

a repair permitted only by the manufacturer.

Recovering an aircraft with a fabric type different from the original covering is considered

a major alteration requiring approved data.

prohibited under all circumstances.

a minor alteration if the strength is equal.

Under 14 CFR Part 43, who may approve a major repair on an airframe for return to service?

A certificated mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization

Any certificated airframe mechanic, whether or not holding an IA

Any certificated powerplant mechanic working under supervision

According to 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A, which of the following is classified as a major alteration to an airframe?

A change to the wing or fixed surfaces affecting structural strength

Replacing a position light bulb with an identical bulb

Cleaning and lubricating the landing gear retraction mechanism

How long must records of maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration be retained under 14 CFR 91.417?

Until the work is repeated, superseded, or for one year after performed

For five years regardless of whether the work is superseded

Permanently, with no allowance for disposal at any time

Under 14 CFR 65.81, a certificated mechanic may not supervise, or approve for return to service, work on an item for which he or she is rated unless the mechanic has:

Satisfactorily performed that work previously or shown the ability under supervision

Written authorization from the aircraft manufacturer for each task

An Inspection Authorization for all return-to-service tasks

An Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under 14 CFR Part 39 is best described as:

A legally enforceable rule to correct an unsafe condition in a product

A manufacturer's service bulletin with no FAA enforcement

An advisory recommendation that compliance is optional

Which of the following maintenance tasks is classified as preventive maintenance under 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A?

Replacing defective safety wiring or cotter keys

Removing and replacing an engine cylinder assembly

Overhauling an engine magneto and resetting timing

Under 14 CFR 43.9, a record of maintenance performed must include all of the following EXCEPT:

The original purchase price of the aircraft

The signature and certificate number of the person approving return to service

A description of the work performed

How does a certificated mechanic indicate that an aircraft is approved for return to service after maintenance, per 14 CFR 43.9?

By signing the maintenance record with certificate number and kind of certificate

By notifying the FSDO in writing within 24 hours

By placarding the instrument panel with an inspection sticker

An FAA Advisory Circular (AC) is best characterized as:

Non-regulatory guidance describing an acceptable means of compliance

A mandatory rule with the same legal force as a regulation

A legally enforceable directive correcting an unsafe condition

Under 14 CFR 91.409, which inspection is required for an aircraft operated for hire to carry persons?

A 100-hour inspection in addition to the annual inspection

Only an annual inspection with no hourly requirement

A 50-hour inspection performed by the manufacturer

Per 14 CFR 91.409, who is authorized to perform an annual inspection?

A mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization

Any certificated airframe mechanic without additional authorization

Any certificated powerplant mechanic without additional authorization

A 100-hour inspection may be exceeded under 14 CFR 91.409 by not more than how many hours, and only under what condition?

10 hours, only while en route to a place where the inspection can be done

50 hours, while waiting for parts to arrive

10 hours, only with prior written FAA approval

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:

Leaves the surface until it touches at the next point of landing

Starts its engines until the engines are shut down

Begins taxiing until it parks at the destination gate

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:

Maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration appropriate to the rating

Major repairs of propellers and any repair of instruments

Overhaul of any avionics instrument and gyroscopic units

What is the purpose of FAA Form 8130-3, Authorized Release Certificate?

To approve parts or articles for return to service or export

To record an aircraft's annual inspection results

To register a new aircraft with the FAA registry

Which of the following is the public-domain FAA publication intended specifically to provide general technical knowledge for the aviation maintenance technician?

FAA-H-8083-30, Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook—General

FAA-H-8083-1, Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook

FAA-H-8083-25, Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

Under 14 CFR 91.405, who is primarily responsible for ensuring that required maintenance records are maintained for an aircraft?

The owner or operator of the aircraft

The last mechanic who signed the logbook

The FAA Flight Standards District Office

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:

Provide the owner a signed and dated list of discrepancies and unairworthy items

Approve the aircraft for return to service with a note of caution

Report the owner to the FAA within 24 hours by telephone

As defined in 14 CFR Part 1, 'maintenance' means:

Inspection, overhaul, repair, preservation, and replacement of parts

The painting and cosmetic restoration of an aircraft only

Only the replacement of major structural components

A Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) is a regulatory document that primarily specifies:

The approved type design limitations and configuration of the product

The flight crew duty-time limitations for the operator

The personal qualifications required of the registered owner

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:

Made before the aircraft is approved for return to service

Witnessed and co-signed by a second mechanic

Mailed to the FAA before any work begins

Manufacturer's Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) are significant to a mechanic because they:

Provide FAA-required maintenance and inspection information to keep the product airworthy

Replace the need to comply with applicable Airworthiness Directives

Are optional documents that mechanics may disregard at will

Under 14 CFR 65.92 and 65.93, how often must an Inspection Authorization be renewed?

Every two years (biennially), expiring March 31 of each odd-numbered year

Every six months by passing a written examination

Once every five years with no activity requirement

Under 14 CFR 43.3, a person working under the supervision of a certificated mechanic may perform maintenance, but may NOT:

Approve the work for return to service after a required inspection

Clean and prepare parts as directed by the supervisor

Perform basic disassembly under direct observation

What distinguishes a Special Airworthiness Certificate from a Standard Airworthiness Certificate?

It is issued for aircraft in special categories such as experimental or restricted

It is issued only by the aircraft manufacturer, not the FAA

It permanently exempts the aircraft from all inspections

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?

The Airworthiness Directive, because it is regulatory under Part 39

Neither, because both are advisory only

The Service Bulletin, because the manufacturer issued it

Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications — FAA A&P Test Questions (ACS AM.I.I)

Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications (AM.I.I) is the General-bank subject area that asks what you have to write down, who is responsible for what, and which document answers a given question. It covers maintenance record entries, Airworthiness Directives, advisory circulars, manufacturer data, and the record-keeping that follows an aircraft through its life. Every AMTprep question published on this code carries a rationale and a reference, so you can practice the exact wording the FAA uses instead of paraphrasing the rules from memory.

Written by the AMTprep editorial team · Published July 27, 2026 · Last reviewed October 21, 2026

Written against the FAA primary sources cited at the foot of this page.

What ACS AM.I.I covers

The recordkeeping and publications material in FAA-H-8083-30 sets the scope, and the rules underneath it are 14 CFR Part 43 for how maintenance is performed and recorded and 14 CFR Part 65 for what a certificated mechanic may do. Record entries are the core of the area. An entry for completed work has to describe the work performed or refer to data acceptable to the Administrator, give the date the work was completed, and carry the signature, certificate number, and kind of certificate held by the person approving the aircraft for return to service. Expect questions that separate performing the work from approving the return to service, because those are not always the same person. Airworthiness Directives are the next cluster. The FAA issues an AD to correct an unsafe condition in an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance; compliance is mandatory, the owner or operator is responsible for it, and current AD status stays with the aircraft records. Publications questions ask you to match a document to its authority. Regulations are binding. Advisory circulars are guidance and describe one acceptable means of compliance rather than the only one. Manufacturer instructions and service information take on force through the applicable maintenance program or operating rule. The FAA's advisory circular on acceptable methods, techniques, and practices is the fallback source for inspection and repair of nonpressurized civil aircraft when no manufacturer data covers the job. Retention rounds the area out: routine maintenance records versus the permanent set that transfers with the aircraft when it is sold.

Where this sits on the test

ACS AM.I.I is tested on the FAA General written test, one of 1,553 ACS-tagged questions in the General bank. Every question tagged to this area carries a worked rationale and its FAA handbook reference, so you can drill the code itself rather than the whole test.

FAA handbook references

FAA-H-8083-30

Three traps candidates fall into

Advisory circulars get treated as rules. An AC is guidance that describes one acceptable means of compliance, not the only one, and it becomes binding only when a regulation, an Airworthiness Directive, or a set of approved data specifically calls for it. The test rewards knowing that distinction rather than memorizing circular numbers.
Candidates put AD compliance on the mechanic. The mechanic performs the work and records it correctly, but responsibility for keeping the aircraft in compliance with applicable Airworthiness Directives belongs to the owner or operator. Read carefully which party the question is actually asking about before you pick an answer.
The one-year retention figure gets applied to everything. Records of routine maintenance are kept until that work is repeated or superseded, or for one year. A second, permanent set - total time in service, life-limited part status, inspection status, AD compliance status, and major alteration records - is transferred with the aircraft at sale.

41 free sample questions from ACS AM.I.I

AM.I.ITap an answer
An aircraft maintenance record entry for a completed repair must include which of the following?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: A description of the work, the date, and the signature and certificate number of the person approving return to service
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Maintenance Forms and Records (14 CFR 43.9 entry requirements)
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How long must a record of maintenance performed on an aircraft be retained under 14 CFR Part 91?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: Until the work is repeated, superseded, or for one year after the work is performed
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Maintenance Records Retention (14 CFR 91.417)
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Compliance with an Airworthiness Directive (AD) is the responsibility of the
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: aircraft owner or operator
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Airworthiness Directives (14 CFR 39, 91.403)
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Airworthiness Directives are issued by the FAA primarily to
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: correct an unsafe condition existing in a product
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Airworthiness Directives (14 CFR 39)
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The primary purpose of an FAA Advisory Circular (AC) is to
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: provide guidance and acceptable means of compliance with the regulations
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — FAA Publications (Advisory Circulars)
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Which publication contains methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the Administrator for the inspection and repair of nonpressurized civil aircraft?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: AC 43.13-1
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — FAA Publications (AC 43.13-1)
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When making a maintenance record entry, an error in the entry should be corrected by
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: drawing a single line through the error and initialing the change
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Making Maintenance Record Entries
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At a certificated repair station, the organization's operating procedures and quality-control system are formally documented in the
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: repair station and quality control manual.
Why: Under 14 CFR 145.207 and 145.211, a certificated repair station must prepare, maintain, and follow a repair station manual and a quality control manual (they may be combined). These manuals describe its organization, procedures, and the quality-control system that ensures airworthiness. A flight manual supplement and the manufacturer's maintenance planning data serve different purposes.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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The document that lists a chemical product's hazards, safe handling, storage, and first-aid information is the
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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Replacement of a wooden spar is classified as
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: a major repair.
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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Recovering an aircraft with a fabric type different from the original covering is considered
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: a major alteration requiring approved data.
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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Under 14 CFR Part 43, who may approve a major repair on an airframe for return to service?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: A certificated mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization
Why: Under 14 CFR 43.7 and 65.95, a major repair may be approved for return to service by the holder of an Inspection Authorization, an appropriately rated certificated repair station, the manufacturer, or an air carrier under its program. 14 CFR 65.85 and 65.87 specifically exclude major repairs and major alterations from what an A&P mechanic without an IA may approve for return to service. A powerplant rating does not cover airframe work in any case.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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According to 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A, which of the following is classified as a major alteration to an airframe?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: A change to the wing or fixed surfaces affecting structural strength
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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How long must records of maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration be retained under 14 CFR 91.417?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: Until the work is repeated, superseded, or for one year after performed
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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Which document is used to record a major repair or major alteration so it can be approved for return to service?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: FAA Form 337
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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Under 14 CFR 65.81, a certificated mechanic may not supervise, or approve for return to service, work on an item for which he or she is rated unless the mechanic has:
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: Satisfactorily performed that work previously or shown the ability under supervision
Why: 14 CFR 65.81(a) provides that a mechanic may not supervise the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of an item for which he or she is rated, or approve it for return to service, unless the mechanic has satisfactorily performed that work at an earlier date. A mechanic who has not done the work before may show the ability to do it by performing it to the satisfaction of the Administrator, or under the direct supervision of an appropriately rated mechanic or repairman who has previous experience in that operation. This is separate from the 65.83 recent-experience requirement.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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Per 14 CFR 65.71, what is the minimum age to be eligible for a mechanic certificate?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: 18 years of age
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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An Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under 14 CFR Part 39 is best described as:
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: A legally enforceable rule to correct an unsafe condition in a product
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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Which of the following maintenance tasks is classified as preventive maintenance under 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: Replacing defective safety wiring or cotter keys
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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Under 14 CFR 43.9, a record of maintenance performed must include all of the following EXCEPT:
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: The original purchase price of the aircraft
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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How does a certificated mechanic indicate that an aircraft is approved for return to service after maintenance, per 14 CFR 43.9?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: By signing the maintenance record with certificate number and kind of certificate
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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An FAA Advisory Circular (AC) is best characterized as:
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: Non-regulatory guidance describing an acceptable means of compliance
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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Under 14 CFR 91.409, which inspection is required for an aircraft operated for hire to carry persons?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: A 100-hour inspection in addition to the annual inspection
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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Per 14 CFR 91.409, who is authorized to perform an annual inspection?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: A mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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A 100-hour inspection may be exceeded under 14 CFR 91.409 by not more than how many hours, and only under what condition?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: 10 hours, only while en route to a place where the inspection can be done
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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Which 14 CFR part contains the definitions and abbreviations used throughout the Federal Aviation Regulations?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: Part 1
Why: 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.'· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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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:
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: Leaves the surface until it touches at the next point of landing
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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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:
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: Maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration appropriate to the rating
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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What is the purpose of FAA Form 8130-3, Authorized Release Certificate?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: To approve parts or articles for return to service or export
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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Which of the following is the public-domain FAA publication intended specifically to provide general technical knowledge for the aviation maintenance technician?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: FAA-H-8083-30, Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook—General
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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Under 14 CFR 91.405, who is primarily responsible for ensuring that required maintenance records are maintained for an aircraft?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: The owner or operator of the aircraft
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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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:
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: Provide the owner a signed and dated list of discrepancies and unairworthy items
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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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?
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: 3 years
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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As defined in 14 CFR Part 1, 'maintenance' means:
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: Inspection, overhaul, repair, preservation, and replacement of parts
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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A Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) is a regulatory document that primarily specifies:
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: The approved type design limitations and configuration of the product
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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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:
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: Made before the aircraft is approved for return to service
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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Manufacturer's Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) are significant to a mechanic because they:
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: Provide FAA-required maintenance and inspection information to keep the product airworthy
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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Under 14 CFR 65.92 and 65.93, how often must an Inspection Authorization be renewed?
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Answer: Every two years (biennially), expiring March 31 of each odd-numbered year
Why: Per 14 CFR 65.92, an Inspection Authorization expires on March 31 of each odd-numbered year, and it is renewed during March of that odd-numbered year. Under 14 CFR 65.93 the holder must show that one qualifying activity was completed in each 12-month period: annual inspections, major repair or alteration inspections, a progressive inspection, an approved refresher course, or an oral test. An IA holder who misses the first-year activity may not exercise IA privileges after March 31 of that first year until passing an oral test given by an FAA inspector (14 CFR 65.93(c)).· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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Under 14 CFR 43.3, a person working under the supervision of a certificated mechanic may perform maintenance, but may NOT:
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: Approve the work for return to service after a required inspection
Why: 14 CFR 43.3(d) allows a person working under the supervision of a certificated mechanic or repairman to perform the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations the supervisor is authorized to perform. The supervisor must personally observe the work to the extent necessary and be readily available in person for consultation. That paragraph does not authorize the person to perform any inspection required by Part 91 or 125, or any inspection after a major repair or alteration. Only the persons listed in 43.7 may approve work for return to service, so the supervised person may not approve it.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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What distinguishes a Special Airworthiness Certificate from a Standard Airworthiness Certificate?
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Answer: It is issued for aircraft in special categories such as experimental or restricted
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
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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?
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Answer: The Airworthiness Directive, because it is regulatory under Part 39
Why: 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.· FAA-H-8083-30 — Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications

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Related subject areas

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Airframe Inspection (AM.II.D)
Engine Inspection (AM.III.C)
Inspection Concepts and Techniques (AM.I.K)
Human Factors (AM.I.L)

Frequently asked questions

What has to be in a maintenance record entry?: A description of the work performed, or a reference to data acceptable to the Administrator that describes it; the date the work was completed; and the signature, certificate number, and kind of certificate held by the person approving the aircraft for return to service. When the person who performed the work is not the person approving the return to service, the record identifies both.
Who is responsible for complying with an Airworthiness Directive?: The owner or operator of the aircraft. They are responsible for keeping it in an airworthy condition, and that includes complying with every applicable AD and having the compliance properly recorded. A mechanic who performs and signs for AD work is responsible for that work, but the continuing obligation to track and comply stays with the owner or operator.
Are FAA advisory circulars mandatory?: No. An advisory circular is nonregulatory guidance that shows one acceptable way of meeting a rule, and a different method may be used if it satisfies the regulation. An AC becomes binding in practice only when a regulation, an Airworthiness Directive, or a set of approved data specifically requires that method be used for the job at hand.
How do I correct a mistake in a maintenance record entry?: Do not erase, black out, or tear out the entry. Standard practice is to draw a single line through the incorrect information so it stays legible, initial and date the correction, and then make a complete and correct entry. The record is supposed to show the full history of the aircraft, including the fact that something was corrected.
How long do aircraft maintenance records have to be kept?: Records of maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations are kept until that work is repeated, superseded by other work, or for one year after completion. A separate permanent set - total time in service, life-limited part status, time since overhaul, current inspection status, AD compliance status, and major alteration records - is kept under the Part 91 rules and transferred to the buyer at sale.

All 40 ACS areas

General

Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics
Aircraft Drawings
Weight and Balance
Fluid Lines and Fittings
Aircraft Materials, Hardware, and Processes
Ground Operations and Servicing
Cleaning and Corrosion Control
Mathematics
Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
Physics for Aviation
Inspection Concepts and Techniques
Human Factors

Airframe

Powerplant

Primary sources

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