ACS Aviation Regulations & Safety Procedures 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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:
- After the pilot verifies accuracy using GPS altitude
- Only if the discrepancy is within 75 feet
- Not until the altimeter is repaired and the system retested and found within tolerances (Correct answer)
- With an inoperative altimeter placard and the MEL applied
Correct 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.
Question 2: When must a mechanic make an entry in the aircraft maintenance records after completing an inspection?
- Within 72 hours of completing the work
- Before the aircraft is returned to service (Correct answer)
- At the end of the business day the work was completed
- Within 30 days of the inspection
Correct answer: Before the aircraft is returned to service
Per 14 CFR Part 43.9 and 43.11, maintenance record entries must be made before the aircraft is approved for return to service.
Question 3: A mechanic finds a component listed on the aircraft's Minimum Equipment List (MEL) to be inoperative. According to the MEL provisions, the mechanic should:
- Ground the aircraft immediately regardless of the MEL category
- Placard the component inoperative and defer maintenance per the MEL conditions and limitations (Correct answer)
- Remove the component before the next flight to restore airworthiness
- Perform a test flight to verify the inoperative condition before any action
Correct answer: Placard the component inoperative and defer maintenance per the MEL conditions and limitations
The MEL allows certain inoperative equipment to be deferred; the mechanic must placard the item and comply with the MEL's applicable conditions and maintenance procedures.
Question 4: Under 14 CFR Part 43.3(g), what maintenance may the holder of a sport pilot certificate perform on a light sport aircraft they own?
- Any maintenance specified in the aircraft manufacturer's maintenance manual
- Only preventive maintenance as defined in Part 43, Appendix A (Correct answer)
- Major repairs and alterations with supervision from a certified mechanic
- Maintenance that does not require specialized tools or equipment
Correct answer: Only preventive maintenance as defined in Part 43, Appendix A
Sport pilot certificate holders may perform only the preventive maintenance tasks specifically listed in Part 43, Appendix A on aircraft they own or operate.
Question 5: Which of the following is considered a 'major alteration' under 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A?
- Replacing a spark plug with the same approved part number
- Installing an STC-approved avionics unit that changes the aircraft's weight and balance significantly (Correct answer)
- Replenishing hydraulic fluid to the specified level
- Lubricating control cables per the maintenance manual schedule
Correct answer: Installing an STC-approved avionics unit that changes the aircraft's weight and balance significantly
A major alteration is one not listed in the aircraft's specifications that might appreciably affect structural strength, flight characteristics, or other airworthiness qualities.
Question 6: According to 14 CFR Part 91.417, how long must an aircraft owner retain records of the current status of applicable Airworthiness Directives?
- Until the next annual inspection
- Until the AD is superseded or the aircraft is sold (Correct answer)
- For one year from the date of AD compliance
- Indefinitely for the life of the aircraft
Correct answer: Until the AD is superseded or the aircraft is sold
Records showing compliance with ADs, including recurring ADs, must be retained until the work is superseded by work of equal or greater scope or the aircraft is sold.
Question 7: A repair station technician notices an unapproved part installed on an aircraft during maintenance. The correct regulatory action is to:
- Install an approved replacement part and document the discovery in the maintenance record (Correct answer)
- Continue the maintenance and notify the operator verbally
- Remove the unapproved part, ground the aircraft, and file an Aviation Safety Hotline report
- Placard the part as 'unapproved' and allow continued operation
Correct answer: Install an approved replacement part and document the discovery in the maintenance record
The correct action is to replace the unapproved part with an FAA-approved part and document the finding and corrective action in the maintenance records.
ACS Aviation Regulations & Safety Procedures 4
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: