CAT Quality Assurance and Inspection 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary goal of a Quality Management System (QMS) in an FAA-approved repair station?
- To ensure all maintenance work consistently meets regulatory and safety standards through documented processes and controls (Correct answer)
- To maximize the number of aircraft processed per day
- To reduce the cost of spare parts procurement
- To schedule technician shifts efficiently
Correct answer: To ensure all maintenance work consistently meets regulatory and safety standards through documented processes and controls
A QMS provides systematic, documented processes to ensure maintenance consistently meets FAA regulations and manufacturer standards, preventing quality escapes that could compromise airworthiness.
Question 2: What does an Approved Repair Station (ARS) certificate under 14 CFR Part 145 authorize?
- Performing maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations on certificated aircraft and components within the station's rated capability (Correct answer)
- Manufacturing new aircraft parts for sale
- Training and issuing A&P certificates to mechanics
- Performing only non-destructive testing
Correct answer: Performing maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations on certificated aircraft and components within the station's rated capability
A Part 145 Approved Repair Station certificate authorizes the facility to perform maintenance and alterations on aircraft, engines, propellers, or appliances as specified in its Operations Specifications.
Question 3: What is a Required Inspection Item (RII) in airline maintenance operations?
- A maintenance task identified as so critical to safety that it must be inspected by a second qualified inspector before return to service (Correct answer)
- A daily preflight inspection item
- A component required to be replaced at each maintenance visit
- An item listed on the MEL that requires inspection before each flight
Correct answer: A maintenance task identified as so critical to safety that it must be inspected by a second qualified inspector before return to service
RIIs are critical maintenance tasks (such as flight control rigging) that require inspection by a second certified person before the aircraft can be returned to service.
Question 4: What is the purpose of receiving inspection on incoming aircraft parts and materials?
- To verify that received parts conform to specifications, have proper documentation, and are undamaged before being placed in stock (Correct answer)
- To test parts under operational loads before installation
- To assign parts a shelf-life expiration date
- To photograph parts for warranty claims
Correct answer: To verify that received parts conform to specifications, have proper documentation, and are undamaged before being placed in stock
Receiving inspection verifies incoming parts have correct part numbers, proper airworthiness approval tags (8130-3), undamaged packaging, and conform to purchase order requirements.
Question 5: What does the term 'Unapproved Parts' mean in the context of FAA regulations?
- Parts that have not been manufactured, produced, or approved under FAA authorization and may not be installed on certificated aircraft (Correct answer)
- Parts that are past their service life
- Parts that have been removed from service for repair
- Parts not listed on the current spare parts price list
Correct answer: Parts that have not been manufactured, produced, or approved under FAA authorization and may not be installed on certificated aircraft
Unapproved parts (sometimes called 'bogus parts') lack proper FAA production authorization (PMA, TSO, or manufacturer approval) and are illegal to install on U.S.-certificated aircraft.
Question 6: What is the function of an Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Compliance Record?
- To document that each step of an AMM maintenance task was completed, providing traceability and verification of work performed (Correct answer)
- To record the cost of each maintenance task
- To schedule the next maintenance visit
- To list which technicians are qualified to perform each task
Correct answer: To document that each step of an AMM maintenance task was completed, providing traceability and verification of work performed
An AMM Compliance Record provides a step-by-step record showing each task step was completed and signed off, creating an auditable trail proving the work was performed correctly.
CAT Quality Assurance and Inspection 1
What is the primary goal of a Quality Management System (QMS) in an FAA-approved repair station?