Mixed Deck — All ASI Topics Flashcards

Under FAA enforcement policy, a Warning Notice is the appropriate action when:

Answer: A first-time, inadvertent violation with no safety significance has been identified

FAA enforcement policy reserves Warning Notices for first-time, unintentional violations with minimal safety impact; more serious or repeated violations warrant civil penalties or certificate action.

An air carrier's aircraft returns from a flight with hydraulic fluid found on the nose gear doors. Under Part 121, the maintenance controller must ensure the discrepancy is addressed via which document?

Answer: The Minimum Equipment List (MEL) or corrective action before the next revenue flight

Under Part 121, all discrepancies must be resolved through the MEL process or corrective maintenance before the next revenue departure.

A certificate holder's SMS reveals that front-line employees rarely report safety concerns due to fear of punishment. Which element needs immediate strengthening?

Answer: Non-punitive reporting culture

A non-punitive reporting environment is essential to SMS; without it, employees withhold safety information that could prevent accidents.

An ASI finds a corrosion on an aircraft's primary structure that has been stop-drilled and left without further treatment or a corrosion inhibitor. What determination is most appropriate?

Answer: The repair is incomplete — corrosion treatment and inhibitor application are required per AC 43.13-1B to restore airworthiness

AC 43.13-1B specifies that corrosion repairs must include removal of corrosion, treatment of the affected area, and application of corrosion inhibitor — stop-drilling alone is insufficient.

What is the minimum number of flight hours after which a turbine engine time-limited component must be replaced, regardless of apparent condition?

Answer: At the time limit specified in the engine's approved Airworthiness Limitations section

Time-limited parts must be replaced at intervals specified in the Airworthiness Limitations section of the manufacturer's Instructions for Continued Airworthiness.

Under ICAO Annex 19, which organization type is required to implement a formal SMS?

Answer: Approved Training Organizations, Air Operators, and Maintenance Organizations meeting certain thresholds

ICAO Annex 19 requires SMS implementation by service providers including approved training organizations, air operators, maintenance organizations, aerodromes, and ANSPs.

What is the role of a safety inspector during an aircraft inspection?

Answer: To ensure all safety protocols are followed during the inspection

During an aircraft inspection, a safety inspector's key role is to act as an independent auditor, ensuring that all maintenance personnel adhere strictly to established safety protocols, procedures, and regulatory requirements. This oversight guarantees the integrity and thoroughness of the inspection process itself, which is fundamental to maintaining overall aviation safety.

What is the significance of the 'intended function' requirement in avionics TSO authorization?

Answer: It specifies the minimum performance the equipment must achieve for its designated purpose

TSO authorization requires equipment to meet minimum performance standards that define the intended function, ensuring the equipment reliably performs its designated role.

What is the purpose of a 'party system' in major NTSB accident investigations?

Answer: To give organizations with special knowledge or information a structured role in supporting the investigation under NTSB oversight

The NTSB party system allows organizations — such as the FAA, airline, manufacturer, and pilot union — with technical expertise to contribute to the investigation under NTSB rules that prohibit use of investigation information for litigation.

Which NTSB regulation requires operators to preserve aircraft wreckage, cargo, and records after an accident?

Answer: 49 CFR 830.10

49 CFR 830.10 prohibits disturbing or moving wreckage, mail, cargo, or records after an accident except to remove persons injured or trapped, protect the wreckage from fire, or protect the public from injury.

Which 14 CFR Part 121 requirement mandates that air carriers establish a system to identify and report safety issues before they result in accidents?

Answer: The Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS) under 14 CFR 121.373

14 CFR 121.373 requires certificate holders to establish a Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System to identify deficiencies in maintenance and operations programs.

An ASI identifies a finding where a Part 121 operator's flight dispatch procedures have a gap that could allow a flight to depart with an inoperative item not covered by the MEL. This is BEST described as:

Answer: A systemic process deficiency in the operator's dispatch/MEL management system

A procedural gap that allows non-compliant operations is a systemic deficiency rooted in the operator's management processes, not a one-time individual error.

Which of the following is an example of a 'systemic corrective action' following a runway incursion event?

Answer: Redesigning taxi route signage and procedures at all affected airports

Systemic corrective actions address root causes across the entire system rather than targeting only the individuals involved in a specific event.

A pilot operating under Part 91 in Class B airspace without an ATC clearance has violated which regulation?

Answer: 14 CFR §91.131

14 CFR §91.131 requires an ATC clearance before operating within Class B airspace.

What does the 'safety promotion' aspect of SMS emphasize?

Answer: Promoting safety awareness and training programs

The 'safety promotion' component of an SMS is dedicated to fostering a positive safety culture throughout the organization. This involves actively promoting safety awareness among all employees, providing comprehensive safety training programs, and ensuring effective communication of safety-related information. The goal is to encourage a proactive and responsible approach to safety at all levels.

An ASI reviews a certificate holder's drug and alcohol testing program. Which FAR part establishes these requirements for aviation employees performing safety-sensitive functions?

Answer: 14 CFR Part 120

14 CFR Part 120 establishes drug and alcohol testing requirements specifically for aviation employees in safety-sensitive functions such as flight crewmembers and mechanics.

What is the primary distinction between an 'accident' and an 'incident' under 49 CFR 830.2?

Answer: Accidents result in death, serious injury, or substantial damage; incidents are occurrences other than accidents that affect safety

49 CFR 830.2 defines an accident by its outcome (death, serious injury, or substantial damage), while an incident is any other occurrence associated with aircraft operation that affects safety.

Which FAA order governs the Aviation Safety Inspector's authority to issue a Notice of Proposed Certificate Action (NPCA)?

Answer: FAA Order 2150.3

FAA Order 2150.3 (Compliance and Enforcement Program) governs certificate actions including the NPCA process.

Under 14 CFR 91.409, how often must a turbine-powered, multiengine airplane operated under Part 91 undergo an annual inspection?

Answer: Every 12 calendar months

14 CFR 91.409(a) requires all U.S.-registered civil aircraft to undergo an annual inspection every 12 calendar months.

Under 14 CFR 91.403, who bears primary responsibility for maintaining an aircraft in airworthy condition?

Answer: The registered owner or operator of the aircraft

14 CFR 91.403(a) places primary responsibility for maintaining an aircraft in airworthy condition on the registered owner or operator.