AM Aircraft Maintenance Safety & Regulatory Compliance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a Foreign Object Debris (FOD) walk prior to aircraft engine run-up?
- To verify fuel quality on the ramp
- To remove debris that could be ingested into engines or damage aircraft (Correct answer)
- To check for pavement cracks near the aircraft
- To inspect ground support equipment condition
Correct answer: To remove debris that could be ingested into engines or damage aircraft
FOD walks systematically clear the area of loose objects that could be ingested by engines or strike the aircraft during run-up.
Question 2: According to 14 CFR Part 65, an A&P mechanic certificate remains valid for what period if not exercised?
- 2 years
- 5 years
- Indefinitely — it does not expire (Correct answer)
- Until the holder's medical certificate lapses
Correct answer: Indefinitely — it does not expire
An A&P mechanic certificate does not have an expiration date; however, recent experience requirements must be met to exercise the privileges.
Question 3: When performing a rivet inspection, what condition indicates a rivet has 'shaken loose' or is defective?
- A slightly off-center shop head
- A shop head that has rotated and gaps appear around the head (Correct answer)
- Paint cracking adjacent to the rivet
- A shop head that is 1.5× the shank diameter
Correct answer: A shop head that has rotated and gaps appear around the head
A loose rivet can rotate and gaps or witness marks appear around the head, indicating it is no longer clamping the structure.
Question 4: What document provides the minimum inspection requirements for an aircraft under a progressive inspection program?
- The aircraft's Pilot's Operating Handbook
- An FAA-approved inspection program specific to that aircraft (Correct answer)
- AC 43.13-1B only
- 14 CFR Part 91 Appendix D
Correct answer: An FAA-approved inspection program specific to that aircraft
A progressive inspection must follow an FAA-approved program that identifies inspection items, intervals, and procedures for that specific aircraft.
Question 5: An aircraft maintenance technician must have how many recent experience hours to legally exercise A&P privileges?
- 500 hours total time
- 1,000 hours within the past 24 months
- At least 1 month of work in the past 24 months on aircraft
- At least 6 months of work experience in the past 24 months (Correct answer)
Correct answer: At least 6 months of work experience in the past 24 months
14 CFR 65.83 requires a mechanic to have served at least 6 months in their certificate's area within the preceding 24 months to exercise privileges.
Question 6: Which type of fire extinguisher is most appropriate for an aviation fuel (Class B) fire in a maintenance hangar?
- Class A water extinguisher
- CO2 or dry chemical (Class B/C rated) extinguisher (Correct answer)
- Wet chemical (Class K) extinguisher
- Class D dry powder extinguisher
Correct answer: CO2 or dry chemical (Class B/C rated) extinguisher
CO2 and dry chemical extinguishers rated for Class B fires are appropriate for flammable liquid fires such as aviation fuel.
Question 7: When must a mechanic record maintenance in the aircraft's maintenance records?
- Within 30 days of completing the work
- Immediately upon completion of each maintenance task (Correct answer)
- At the end of the maintenance shift
- Before the next flight following the maintenance
Correct answer: Immediately upon completion of each maintenance task
14 CFR 43.9 requires maintenance records to be made upon completion of maintenance, not deferred until later.
AM Aircraft Maintenance Safety & Regulatory Compliance 3
What is the primary purpose of a Foreign Object Debris (FOD) walk prior to aircraft engine run-up?