ASI - Aviation Safety Inspector Aircraft Manufacturing and Production Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the primary authorization granted to the holder of a Production Certificate (PC) under 14 CFR Part 21?

Accepted Answer

To obtain a U.S. airworthiness certificate for products manufactured in conformity with the type design, without further showing.

Answer

To approve new type designs for aircraft and engines.

Answer

To issue Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for modifications to any aircraft.

Answer

To perform major repairs and alterations on products they manufacture.

Question 2

An ASI is auditing a Production Certificate holder's facility and discovers that the company's approved quality control manual has not been updated to reflect a recently implemented automated inspection system. This system is being used to accept or reject critical parts. Which of the following best describes this situation?

Accepted Answer

A non-conformity with the approved Production Quality System, potentially affecting the airworthiness of products.

Answer

An acceptable practice as long as the new system is more efficient than the old one.

Answer

A minor administrative error that can be corrected at the next scheduled manual revision.

Answer

A violation that only requires verbal notification to the local Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO).

Question 3

Which of the following is a key responsibility of a Production Certificate (PC) holder regarding parts and assemblies sourced from external suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Verifying that the supplier's quality system meets the requirements established and approved as part of the PC holder's own quality system.

Answer

Ensuring every supplier holds its own independent FAA Production Certificate.

Answer

Relying solely on the supplier's certification of conformity without conducting any independent verification.

Answer

Requiring the supplier to submit all parts directly to the FAA for inspection before shipment to the PC holder.

Question 4

A manufacturer produces an aircraft emergency locator transmitter (ELT) under a Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization. What does this authorization signify?

Accepted Answer

The manufacturer has FAA approval for both the design and production of the ELT article to a minimum performance standard.

Answer

The ELT is automatically approved for installation on any specific aircraft model without further evaluation.

Answer

The ELT has been flight-tested and certified by the FAA on a representative aircraft.

Answer

The manufacturer is authorized to deviate from the minimum performance standards outlined in the TSO.

Question 5

During the type certification process for a new aircraft, an ASI conducts a conformity inspection on the prototype's wing assembly. The inspection reveals that a specific rib is made from a different aluminum alloy than what is specified on the approved type design drawing. What is the immediate implication of this finding?

Accepted Answer

The wing assembly does not conform to the type design, and a Statement of Conformity cannot be issued for it until the discrepancy is corrected or the design data is formally changed.

Answer

The inspection can proceed, and the discrepancy can be documented later as a minor deviation.

Answer

The manufacturer must immediately apply for a Production Certificate to cover the material change.

Answer

The FAA must issue an Airworthiness Directive to address the material substitution.

Question 6

A company that does not hold the Type Certificate for an aircraft wants to manufacture and sell replacement landing gear components for that aircraft. Which type of FAA approval is specifically required for this activity?

Accepted Answer

A Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA).

Answer

A Technical Standard Order (TSO) Authorization.

Answer

A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).

Answer

An amendment to the aircraft's original Production Certificate (PC).