A&P A&P Aviation Regulations & FAA Compliance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of an Airworthiness Directive (AD)?
- To advertise new aircraft models
- To mandate corrective action for unsafe conditions found in certificated products (Correct answer)
- To certify new mechanics
- To approve new maintenance techniques
Correct answer: To mandate corrective action for unsafe conditions found in certificated products
ADs are legally enforceable regulations issued by the FAA to correct an unsafe condition in a product (aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance).
Question 2: A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) authorizes:
- A mechanic to perform inspections
- Modification of a certificated aircraft product in a manner not covered by the original type certificate (Correct answer)
- A repair station to open
- An airline to operate a new route
Correct answer: Modification of a certificated aircraft product in a manner not covered by the original type certificate
An STC approves a product modification beyond the original type design and must be on board or referenced in aircraft records when the modification is installed.
Question 3: Under FAR Part 65.83, an A&P mechanic must have performed at least how many hours of work in the previous 24-month period to exercise certificate privileges?
- 500 hours (Correct answer)
- 1,000 hours
- 2,000 hours
- 100 hours
Correct answer: 500 hours
FAR Part 65.83 requires an A&P mechanic to have worked at least 1,000 hours in the previous 24 months OR complete a refresher course to remain current — but the standard currency threshold is 1,000 hours within 24 months.
Question 4: Which organization publishes Service Bulletins (SBs) that, while not always mandatory, document manufacturer-recommended maintenance actions?
- FAA
- NTSB
- Aircraft manufacturers (e.g., Boeing, Cessna, Lycoming) (Correct answer)
- OSHA
Correct answer: Aircraft manufacturers (e.g., Boeing, Cessna, Lycoming)
Service Bulletins are issued by aircraft, engine, or component manufacturers to recommend maintenance actions; they become mandatory only when referenced by an AD.
Question 5: What is the difference between a 'major repair' and a 'minor repair' under FAR Part 43?
- Major repairs cost more than $1,000
- Major repairs might appreciably affect structural strength, flight characteristics, or airworthiness if improperly done (Correct answer)
- Major repairs require two mechanics
- Major repairs must be done at a repair station
Correct answer: Major repairs might appreciably affect structural strength, flight characteristics, or airworthiness if improperly done
FAR Part 43 defines a major repair as one that, if improperly done, might appreciably affect structural strength, flight characteristics, airworthiness, or other airworthiness qualities.
Question 6: An Inspection Authorization (IA) is required to:
- Purchase aircraft parts
- Approve an aircraft for return to service after an annual inspection (Correct answer)
- Fly an aircraft across state lines
- File a maintenance logbook entry
Correct answer: Approve an aircraft for return to service after an annual inspection
An IA, issued under FAR Part 65 Subpart D, authorizes an A&P mechanic to conduct annual inspections and approve aircraft for return to service after such inspections.
A&P A&P Aviation Regulations & FAA Compliance 2
What is the purpose of an Airworthiness Directive (AD)?