Mixed Deck — All ACS Topics Flashcards

An aircraft's altimeter was found to be inaccurate during a transponder/altimeter inspection. Under 14 CFR 91.411, the aircraft may be flown in controlled airspace under IFR:

Answer: Not until the altimeter is repaired and the system retested and found within tolerances

14 CFR 91.411 prohibits flight in controlled airspace under IFR with an altimeter system that does not meet accuracy requirements; it must be repaired and retested.

During engine assembly, what is the correct procedure for installing a new oil seal on a crankshaft?

Answer: Lubricate the seal lip with clean engine oil and press it in squarely to the specified depth

Oil seals should be lubricated on the sealing lip with clean engine oil to prevent lip damage during installation and initial start-up, and pressed squarely to the correct depth.

Which NDT method is most appropriate for detecting internal voids and delaminations in composite aircraft structures?

Answer: Ultrasonic inspection or tap testing

Ultrasonic testing and tap testing are the primary methods for detecting internal defects such as voids and delaminations in composite structures.

A suspected unapproved part (SUP) is discovered during maintenance. The correct action is to:

Answer: Tag it, remove it from service, and report it to the FAA

FAA Order 8120.10 directs mechanics to remove SUPs from service, quarantine them, and report to the FAA's Suspected Unapproved Parts Program.

Which type of brake system uses a single-disc design with one puck-style actuating cylinder on each side?

Answer: Single-disc floating caliper brake

A single-disc floating caliper brake uses one rotor disc and a caliper that floats to apply equal pressure from both sides with pistons.

An aircraft engine fails to develop full static RPM during a pre-takeoff run-up. The magneto check is normal. What should be checked next?

Answer: Propeller pitch setting and governor operation

A constant-speed propeller set to too coarse a pitch or a malfunctioning governor will prevent the engine from reaching full static RPM despite normal ignition.

What is the most important ethical consideration for ACS professionals in electrical systems & avionics?

Answer: Maintaining objectivity, integrity, and confidentiality in all professional work

ACS professionals must maintain the highest ethical standards including objectivity, integrity, and confidentiality to protect clients and uphold professional credibility.

What is the moment index, and why is it used?

Answer: A scaled-down moment value (moment ÷ a reduction factor) to simplify arithmetic

A moment index divides the moment by a constant (e.g., 1,000) to produce smaller, easier-to-use numbers on loading charts.

When performing a scarf repair on a composite laminate, the scarf ratio is typically expressed as:

Answer: Horizontal taper length divided by the laminate thickness

Scarf ratio is the ratio of the taper length to the laminate thickness (e.g., 20:1 means 20 mm of taper per 1 mm of thickness), determining how gradually load is transferred.

What condition does a 'hung start' describe in a turbine engine?

Answer: The engine lights off and runs but stabilizes at an RPM below idle due to insufficient power from the starter

A hung start occurs when the turbine engine lights and reaches a self-sustaining condition but RPM stabilizes below normal idle because the starter cannot supply enough energy to accelerate the engine further.

Which type of maintenance record entry is required after completion of a 100-hour inspection?

Answer: A signed logbook entry per 14 CFR 43.11

14 CFR 43.11 requires a maintenance record entry including the date, aircraft total time, signature, and certificate number after each inspection.

During a borescope inspection of a turbine engine combustion section, you observe hot spots and discoloration on the combustion liner. The next step should be:

Answer: Compare findings to engine manufacturer's limits and serviceable criteria

Borescope findings must be compared against the manufacturer's inspection criteria to determine if the component is serviceable, requires repair, or replacement.

What is the significance of a 'return to service' signature by a certificated mechanic?

Answer: It certifies that the work was performed per approved data and the aircraft is airworthy

The return to service signature is the mechanic's professional certification that work was accomplished per approved standards and the aircraft is airworthy.

How does technology impact modern hydraulic & pneumatic systems practices?

Answer: Technology improves accuracy, efficiency, and capabilities while requiring new skills and knowledge

Technological advances have transformed professional practice by improving diagnostic capabilities, data analysis, documentation, and efficiency while requiring practitioners to develop new competencies.

What is the scope of practice for ACS certification in weight & balance?

Answer: Defined boundaries of competence and authority established by the certifying body and applicable regulations

Scope of practice defines the activities, procedures, and processes that a certified professional is authorized to perform based on their education, training, and certification level.

What type of hydraulic pump is most commonly used in high-performance aircraft as an engine-driven pump due to its variable output capability?

Answer: Variable displacement piston pump

Variable displacement piston pumps can adjust their output flow based on system demand, maintaining constant pressure while reducing heat generation and power consumption when demand is low.

When fuel is burned during flight, how does the CG typically shift in a high-wing aircraft with wing tanks?

Answer: CG moves forward

In most high-wing designs, wing fuel is located forward of the CG, so as fuel burns off, the CG moves forward.

How does continuing education benefit ACS professionals?

Answer: It ensures practitioners stay current with evolving standards, technologies, and best practices

Professional fields evolve constantly — continuing education ensures practitioners maintain competence and stay current with industry developments.

What continuing education is typically required in hydraulic & pneumatic systems?

Answer: Regular training to stay current with industry standards, regulations, and best practices

Professional fields require ongoing education to ensure practitioners stay current with evolving standards, technologies, regulations, and best practices in their specialty.

Fuel flow is within normal limits but EGT is abnormally high on one cylinder. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: Clogged fuel injector on that cylinder

A clogged fuel injector delivers insufficient fuel to one cylinder, creating a lean mixture that raises EGT on that cylinder.