AMT FAA Regulations and Publications 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A mechanic wants to perform a major repair on a certificated aircraft using a non-FAA-approved method. What approval must be obtained first?
- A field approval from the local FAA FSDO (Correct answer)
- A Letter of Authorization from the aircraft manufacturer
- A Supplemental Type Certificate
- An Airworthiness Directive exemption
Correct answer: A field approval from the local FAA FSDO
A field approval (DER or FSDO approval) is required before performing a major repair using data not previously approved by the FAA.
Question 2: Under 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A, which of the following is classified as a MAJOR repair to an airframe?
- Welding of a main spar (Correct answer)
- Replacing a control cable with one of identical specification
- Repainting the aircraft fuselage
- Replacing spark plugs
Correct answer: Welding of a main spar
Welding of a main spar is specifically listed in Part 43 Appendix A as a major repair because it could affect structural integrity if not done correctly.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS)?
- To define the approved configuration and limitations of a type-certificated product (Correct answer)
- To list all Airworthiness Directives affecting an aircraft
- To authorize a mechanic to perform maintenance
- To document major alterations performed on an aircraft
Correct answer: To define the approved configuration and limitations of a type-certificated product
The TCDS records the basis of certification, approved configurations, limitations, and specifications for a type-certificated aircraft, engine, or propeller.
Question 4: According to 14 CFR Part 43, a certificated mechanic may approve for return to service maintenance work performed on which of the following?
- A large transport category aircraft he or she performed work on (Correct answer)
- An aircraft he or she did not personally work on
- Only aircraft that hold a Special Airworthiness Certificate
- Only experimental amateur-built aircraft
Correct answer: A large transport category aircraft he or she performed work on
Part 43.7 allows a certificated mechanic to approve for return to service maintenance work that he or she personally performed or supervised.
Question 5: Which regulation requires that aircraft maintenance records be retained for at least 1 year after the work was performed?
- 14 CFR Part 91.417 (Correct answer)
- 14 CFR Part 43.9
- 14 CFR Part 65.80
- 14 CFR Part 39.7
Correct answer: 14 CFR Part 91.417
Part 91.417 specifies the minimum record retention requirements for maintenance records, requiring most records to be kept for 1 year.
Question 6: An FAA Advisory Circular (AC) issued as 'AC 43.13-1B' is best described as:
- Acceptable methods, techniques, and practices for aircraft inspection and repair (Correct answer)
- A mandatory regulation with the force of law
- An Airworthiness Directive requiring corrective action
- A type certificate amendment for older aircraft
Correct answer: Acceptable methods, techniques, and practices for aircraft inspection and repair
AC 43.13-1B provides acceptable (but not mandatory) methods and practices for aircraft inspection and repair that mechanics may use as approved data.
Question 7: Under 14 CFR Part 65, a mechanic may not exercise the privileges of their certificate if they know or have reason to know they are:
- Under the influence of any drug or alcohol (Correct answer)
- Flying as a passenger on the same aircraft
- Working outside their usual place of employment
- Using tools owned by the aircraft owner
Correct answer: Under the influence of any drug or alcohol
Part 65.19 prohibits certificate holders from exercising their privileges while under the influence of alcohol or any drug that affects their faculties.
AMT FAA Regulations and Publications 3
A mechanic wants to perform a major repair on a certificated aircraft using a non-FAA-approved method.
What approval must be obtained first?