CAT Maintenance Tools and Equipment 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why must torque wrenches be calibrated at regular intervals in aerospace maintenance?
- To ensure fasteners are tightened to the correct specification, preventing under-torque failures or over-torque damage (Correct answer)
- To comply with OSHA tool storage requirements
- To track tool usage hours for replacement scheduling
- To maintain warranty coverage on the tools
Correct answer: To ensure fasteners are tightened to the correct specification, preventing under-torque failures or over-torque damage
Calibration ensures torque wrenches apply the exact specified force, since both under-torquing (loosening risk) and over-torquing (material damage) can cause catastrophic failures in aircraft.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a borescope in aircraft maintenance?
- To visually inspect internal engine components and confined spaces without disassembly (Correct answer)
- To measure fuel flow rates in engine injectors
- To pressure-test hydraulic lines
- To align engine mounts during installation
Correct answer: To visually inspect internal engine components and confined spaces without disassembly
A borescope is a flexible or rigid optical instrument that allows technicians to visually inspect the interior of engines, fuselage cavities, and other confined spaces without disassembly.
Question 3: When using an ohmmeter to test electrical continuity in aircraft wiring, what reading indicates a complete circuit?
- Near-zero ohms resistance (Correct answer)
- Infinite resistance (OL)
- Battery voltage reading
- 50 ohms or more
Correct answer: Near-zero ohms resistance
A near-zero ohms reading on an ohmmeter indicates a complete, low-resistance circuit path (continuity), while infinite resistance (OL) indicates an open circuit.
Question 4: What is the correct procedure for measuring aircraft fuel tank quantity with a drip stick?
- Insert the calibrated stick into the tank sump until fuel wets it, then read the fuel level at the graduated markings (Correct answer)
- Dip the stick into the filler neck and measure wet length
- Use the stick to check for water contamination at the sump drain
- Insert horizontally through the fuel cap opening to measure width
Correct answer: Insert the calibrated stick into the tank sump until fuel wets it, then read the fuel level at the graduated markings
A drip stick (tank quantity gauge) is inserted through the sump fitting until fuel wets the calibrated portion, allowing the technician to read fuel quantity directly from graduated markings.
Question 5: What does a multimeter measure that makes it essential in aerospace avionics troubleshooting?
- Voltage, current, and resistance across electrical components and circuits (Correct answer)
- Air pressure in pneumatic systems
- Fluid viscosity in hydraulic systems
- Vibration frequency in engine mounts
Correct answer: Voltage, current, and resistance across electrical components and circuits
A multimeter measures voltage (V), current (A), and resistance (Ω), making it the fundamental tool for diagnosing electrical faults in aircraft avionics and wiring systems.
Question 6: What is the purpose of using a tensiometer in aircraft maintenance?
- To measure cable tension in flight control cables to verify correct rigging (Correct answer)
- To test the tensile strength of structural fasteners
- To measure surface tension of hydraulic fluids
- To calibrate altimeter capsule tension
Correct answer: To measure cable tension in flight control cables to verify correct rigging
A tensiometer measures the tension in flight control cables, allowing technicians to verify cables are rigged to the manufacturer's specified tension for correct control response.
CAT Maintenance Tools and Equipment 1
Why must torque wrenches be calibrated at regular intervals in aerospace maintenance?