AME Aircraft Structures and Composites 2

Question 1

Per AC 43.13-1B, what is the minimum edge distance for a single row of protruding-head rivets in sheet metal repair?

Accepted Answer

2 times the rivet diameter

Answer

Minimum edge distance is 2D, measured from the rivet center to the sheet edge, which keeps the sheet from tearing out.

Question 2

What is the minimum rivet pitch (spacing between rivets in the same row) generally recommended for aircraft sheet metal repairs?

Accepted Answer

3D

Answer

Minimum rivet pitch is 3D. Closer spacing weakens the sheet between the holes.

Question 3

A rivet head marked with a small dimple indicates which alloy?

Accepted Answer

2117-T4 (AD)

Answer

The dimple is the head marking for 2117-T4 AD rivets, the most common structural rivet.

Question 4

Why are 2024-T4 (DD) 'icebox' rivets kept refrigerated until use?

Accepted Answer

To delay natural age hardening so they stay soft enough to drive

Answer

Refrigeration slows natural aging after solution heat treatment, so the rivet stays soft enough to drive without cracking.

Question 5

What are the standard dimensions of a properly formed shop (bucked) head?

Accepted Answer

1.5D wide and 0.5D high

Answer

A correct bucktail is 1.5 times the shank diameter wide and 0.5 times the diameter high.

AME - Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Practice Test