Free Airframe Mechanic Airframe Inspection Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An aircraft operating for hire is due for a 100-hour inspection, but is currently at a location where the inspection cannot be performed. Under 14 CFR 91.409, what is the maximum time the aircraft may be flown to reach a facility to have the inspection completed?
- The aircraft cannot be flown until the inspection is completed.
- 5 hours, provided the time is used exclusively to reach the inspection facility.
- 10 hours, but this additional time must be deducted from the next 100-hour interval. (Correct answer)
- 20 hours, with a special flight permit from the FAA.
Correct answer: 10 hours, but this additional time must be deducted from the next 100-hour interval.
According to 14 CFR 91.409(b), an aircraft can be flown past its 100-hour inspection due time by a maximum of 10 hours for the sole purpose of reaching a place where the inspection can be done. This overflown time must then be included in computing the next 100 hours of time in service.
Question 2: A technician is performing a detailed visual inspection on an aluminum aircraft structure in a high-humidity environment. They notice fine, worm-like traces of corrosion products under the paint. This is most characteristic of which type of corrosion?
- Pitting
- Intergranular
- Filiform (Correct answer)
- Galvanic
Correct answer: Filiform
Filiform corrosion is characterized by its distinctive worm-like appearance as it forms tunnels of corroded material beneath a paint film. It is particularly common on aluminum and steel surfaces in environments with high humidity.
Question 3: Which of the following Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction and is highly effective for detecting surface and near-surface cracks in conductive materials?
- Ultrasonic Testing
- Radiographic (X-ray) Testing
- Magnetic Particle Inspection
- Eddy Current Testing (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Eddy Current Testing
Eddy Current Testing (ECT) uses an alternating current flowing through a coil to create an oscillating magnetic field. When brought near a conductive material, this field induces eddy currents. Discontinuities like cracks disrupt the flow of these currents, which can be detected by the instrument, making it ideal for finding surface flaws in conductive metals.
Question 4: According to 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix D, which of the following is an action required of a person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection BEFORE beginning the inspection?
- Review the aircraft's flight history since the last inspection.
- Perform a compression check on all engine cylinders.
- Remove or open all necessary inspection plates, access doors, fairing, and cowling. (Correct answer)
- Verify the calibration of all test equipment to be used.
Correct answer: Remove or open all necessary inspection plates, access doors, fairing, and cowling.
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix D, paragraph (a) explicitly states: "Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall, before that inspection, remove or open all necessary inspection plates, access doors, fairing, and cowling. He shall thoroughly clean the aircraft and aircraft engine." This ensures proper access and visibility.
Question 5: A mechanic notes that a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) has been issued for a specific model of aircraft they are inspecting. What is the regulatory requirement regarding compliance with the recommendations in an SAIB for an aircraft operated under Part 91?
- Compliance is mandatory and must be completed within the specified timeframe.
- Compliance is mandatory only if the SAIB is classified as an 'Alert'.
- Compliance is not mandatory, as an SAIB is for informational and recommendation purposes. (Correct answer)
- Compliance is at the discretion of the pilot in command.
Correct answer: Compliance is not mandatory, as an SAIB is for informational and recommendation purposes.
A Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) is an informational tool that alerts, educates, and makes recommendations. Unlike an Airworthiness Directive (AD), an SAIB is non-regulatory and does not mandate compliance. It is issued when an unsafe condition is not found to exist that would warrant an AD.
Question 6: During an inspection of a wing, a mechanic finds advanced corrosion characterized by the lifting and flaking of the metal at the surface, almost like the layers of an onion are separating. This is a classic sign of what type of corrosion?
- Fretting corrosion
- Exfoliation corrosion (Correct answer)
- Surface corrosion
- Stress corrosion cracking
Correct answer: Exfoliation corrosion
Exfoliation corrosion is an advanced form of intergranular corrosion where the surface grains of metal are lifted up by the force of expanding corrosion products occurring at the grain boundaries. This gives the metal a layered or flaked appearance.
Free Airframe Mechanic Airframe Inspection Questions and Answers
An aircraft operating for hire is due for a 100-hour inspection, but is currently at a location where the inspection cannot be performed.
Under 14 CFR 91.409, what is the maximum time the aircraft may be flown to reach a facility to have the inspection completed?