IA Avionics & Electrical Systems Inspection 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During an annual inspection, what must an IA verify about an aircraft's pitot-static system?
- Only that the pitot tube is free of insects and debris
- That the system has been tested and inspected within the last 24 calendar months per 14 CFR 91.411 if flown in IFR (Correct answer)
- That the static ports are painted the correct color per aircraft type certificate
- That the system pressure is above 1.5 inches of mercury at sea level
Correct answer: That the system has been tested and inspected within the last 24 calendar months per 14 CFR 91.411 if flown in IFR
14 CFR 91.411 requires the pitot-static system and altimeter to be tested every 24 calendar months for IFR flight; an IA must verify compliance.
Question 2: What is the IA checking for when inspecting aircraft wiring during an annual?
- That all wires are a minimum of 22 AWG
- Chafing, overheating signs, corrosion, improper splices, and loose connections (Correct answer)
- That wiring runs are color-coded per MIL-SPEC standards
- That all circuits have an in-line fuse within 6 inches of the bus
Correct answer: Chafing, overheating signs, corrosion, improper splices, and loose connections
Electrical wiring inspections focus on physical damage such as chafing, heat damage, corrosion at terminals, and improper repairs that could cause arcing or fire.
Question 3: Which document governs the inspection of aircraft electrical systems and wiring?
- AC 43.13-1B, Chapter 11 (Correct answer)
- 14 CFR Part 23
- TSO-C190
- AC 25.1701-1
Correct answer: AC 43.13-1B, Chapter 11
AC 43.13-1B, Chapter 11 provides acceptable methods, techniques, and practices for aircraft electrical wiring inspection and maintenance.
Question 4: During an annual inspection of a VFR aircraft, what is required regarding the transponder?
- It must be tested and inspected every 24 calendar months per 14 CFR 91.413 (Correct answer)
- No transponder inspection is required for VFR-only aircraft
- The transponder must be replaced every 5 years
- A transponder function check must be entered in the maintenance log every 12 months
Correct answer: It must be tested and inspected every 24 calendar months per 14 CFR 91.413
14 CFR 91.413 requires transponders to be tested and inspected within the preceding 24 calendar months for use in controlled airspace, regardless of VFR or IFR.
Question 5: An IA finds corroded battery terminals in the aircraft battery box during an annual. What is the required action?
- Apply petroleum jelly and return the aircraft to service
- Clean corrosion, treat with corrosion inhibitor, and verify the battery meets service limits before return to service (Correct answer)
- Replace the battery with a new one immediately regardless of its charge state
- Document only and inform the owner for future action
Correct answer: Clean corrosion, treat with corrosion inhibitor, and verify the battery meets service limits before return to service
Corroded battery terminals must be cleaned, treated, and the battery tested to confirm it meets the manufacturer's service capacity specifications before the aircraft is returned to service.
Question 6: What is the IA checking when verifying circuit breaker and fuse sizes during an annual?
- That circuit breakers are reset-type only, never fuses
- That each circuit's protection device matches the rated ampacity of the wiring it protects (Correct answer)
- That all circuit breakers are located within 12 inches of the main battery bus
- That no circuit uses more than 15 amps for avionics equipment
Correct answer: That each circuit's protection device matches the rated ampacity of the wiring it protects
Proper wire protection requires that each fuse or circuit breaker be sized to protect the wire, not the load; an oversized breaker can allow a wire to overheat and start a fire.
IA Avionics & Electrical Systems Inspection 1
During an annual inspection, what must an IA verify about an aircraft's pitot-static system?