ASI Maintenance and Repair Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under what authority may an Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) accept a repair performed using a Designated Engineering Representative (DER) approval?
- 14 CFR Part 121 only
- 14 CFR Part 43 and FAA Order 8900.1 (Correct answer)
- 14 CFR Part 91 only
- AC 43.13-1B only
Correct answer: 14 CFR Part 43 and FAA Order 8900.1
DER approvals are accepted under 14 CFR Part 43 authority and procedural guidance in FAA Order 8900.1.
Question 2: What type of NDT method is most appropriate for detecting subsurface cracks in aluminum aircraft structure?
- Visual inspection
- Eddy current testing
- Dye penetrant inspection
- Ultrasonic pulse-echo testing (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Ultrasonic pulse-echo testing
Ultrasonic pulse-echo testing penetrates material to detect internal/subsurface discontinuities in aluminum structure.
Question 3: An A&P mechanic completes a 100-hour inspection on a piston engine aircraft. Who may return the aircraft to service?
- The aircraft owner
- An Airframe and Powerplant mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA)
- Any certificated A&P mechanic (Correct answer)
- Only an FAA ASI
Correct answer: Any certificated A&P mechanic
Any certificated A&P mechanic may return an aircraft to service after a 100-hour inspection; an IA is only required for annual inspections.
Question 4: What information must be included in a maintenance record entry per 14 CFR Part 43.9?
- Aircraft market value and insurance information
- Description of work, date, signature, certificate number, and type of certificate (Correct answer)
- Pilot certificate number and flight hours
- Weight and balance data only
Correct answer: Description of work, date, signature, certificate number, and type of certificate
14 CFR 43.9 requires the description of work performed, the date, the mechanic's signature, certificate number, and certificate type.
Question 5: During an ASI surveillance visit, a mechanic is observed using an unapproved solvent to clean fuel system components. What is the immediate concern?
- Increased labor cost
- Potential chemical incompatibility causing fuel system degradation or fire hazard (Correct answer)
- Violation of environmental regulations only
- Cosmetic damage to components
Correct answer: Potential chemical incompatibility causing fuel system degradation or fire hazard
Unapproved solvents may be chemically incompatible with fuel system seals and materials, creating a fire or leak hazard.
Question 6: What is the function of a control cable tension chart in aircraft maintenance?
- Specify paint color for control surfaces
- Determine correct cable tension based on ambient temperature (Correct answer)
- Calculate control surface travel limits
- Identify cable routing paths
Correct answer: Determine correct cable tension based on ambient temperature
Cable tension varies with temperature due to thermal expansion; a tension chart gives the correct specification for current ambient conditions.
Question 7: Which regulation requires aircraft owners and operators to maintain airworthiness of their aircraft?
- 14 CFR Part 43
- 14 CFR Part 65
- 14 CFR Part 91.409
- 14 CFR Part 91.403 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 14 CFR Part 91.403
14 CFR 91.403 places primary responsibility for airworthiness on the aircraft owner or operator.
ASI Maintenance and Repair Procedures 3
Under what authority may an Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) accept a repair performed using a Designated Engineering Representative (DER) approval?