ACS ACS Quality & Compliance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) article may be used as a replacement part when it:
- Matches the original part number exactly
- Is approved by the FAA and designated for the specific installation (Correct answer)
- Has been tested by an IA
- Comes with a manufacturer's service bulletin
Correct answer: Is approved by the FAA and designated for the specific installation
PMA parts are FAA-approved replacements for specific applications; they must be designated for the intended installation to be used legally.
Question 2: An aircraft maintenance record entry for a 100-hour inspection must include all of the following EXCEPT:
- Date of inspection
- Total time in service
- Signature and certificate number of the person approving return to service
- Fuel quantity at time of inspection (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Fuel quantity at time of inspection
14 CFR 43.11 specifies required logbook entries for inspections; fuel quantity is not among the required items.
Question 3: What constitutes 'approved data' for performing a standard repair on a certificated aircraft?
- Any current manufacturer service bulletin
- FAA-approved manufacturer data, FAA Advisory Circulars with approved methods, or DER-approved data (Correct answer)
- ASTM standards only
- Any data referenced in an aviation maintenance textbook
Correct answer: FAA-approved manufacturer data, FAA Advisory Circulars with approved methods, or DER-approved data
Approved data sources include FAA-approved manufacturer manuals, AC 43.13-1B for standard practices, and data approved by a DER.
Question 4: Under the ACS standards, a mechanic must demonstrate knowledge of quality assurance by understanding that an Inspection Authorization (IA) is required to:
- Perform routine oil changes on turbine engines
- Approve an aircraft for return to service after an annual inspection (Correct answer)
- Sign off on 100-hour inspection records
- Install PMA parts
Correct answer: Approve an aircraft for return to service after an annual inspection
Annual inspections can only be approved for return to service by a mechanic holding an IA, per 14 CFR 65.95.
Question 5: A suspected unapproved part (SUP) is discovered during maintenance. The correct action is to:
- Install it if it fits correctly
- Tag it, remove it from service, and report it to the FAA (Correct answer)
- Return it to the supplier for a refund
- Test it and install if it passes
Correct 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.
Question 6: FAA Form 337 is used to document which of the following?
- Routine scheduled maintenance
- Major repairs and major alterations (Correct answer)
- Annual inspection results
- Engine time between overhauls
Correct answer: Major repairs and major alterations
FAA Form 337 is the Major Repair and Alteration form required to document and approve major repairs and alterations under 14 CFR Part 43.
Question 7: Which of the following is classified as a major alteration to an airframe under 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A?
- Replacing a worn tire
- Installing a new wing tip of different design than original (Correct answer)
- Replacing a cracked windshield with the same OEM part
- Lubricating flight control cables
Correct answer: Installing a new wing tip of different design than original
Appendix A to Part 43 lists installing a wing tip of different design than originally approved as a major alteration because it affects structural or aerodynamic performance.
ACS ACS Quality & Compliance 3
A PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) article may be used as a replacement part when it: