Aircraft Maintenance Basics

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Questions and Answers

Can a person perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations while under the supervision of a mechanic?

True

Who can perform preventive maintenance on an aircraft?

A person holding at least a private pilot certificate.

What must be done to approve an aircraft for return to service?

Make the required maintenance record entry, execute the repair or alteration form, and revise the approved aircraft flight manual if necessary.

Who can approve an aircraft to service after preventive maintenance?

A person holding at least a private pilot certificate, a mechanic certificate, or an inspection authorization. Signup and view all the answers

What must be provided in maintenance record entries for any maintenance done on the aircraft?

A description of work performed, the date of completion, the name of the person performing the work, and the signature, certificate number, and kind of certificate held by the person approving the work. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'Life-limited part'?

Any part for which a mandatory replacement limit is specified in the type design, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, or the maintenance manual. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'Life status' of a life-limited aircraft part?

The accumulated cycles, hours, or any other mandatory replacement limit of a life-limited part. Signup and view all the answers

Which items are considered to be minor repairs?

Any repair other than a major repair. Signup and view all the answers

What are the general items that must be provided in maintenance record entries for any inspections done on the aircraft?

The type of inspection and a brief description, the date of the inspection and aircraft total time in service, the signature, certificate number, and kind of certificate held by the person approving or disapproving for return to service. Signup and view all the answers

What statement must be provided in maintenance record entries for inspections other than progressive inspections done on the aircraft?

'I certify that this aircraft has been inspected in accordance with (insert type) inspection and was determined to be in airworthy condition.' Signup and view all the answers

What is the repercussion for any person who makes or causes to be made, any fraudulent or intentionally false statement or alteration on any entry in any maintenance record or report?

The suspension or revocation of any applicable airman certificate issued by the Administrator. Signup and view all the answers

What must a person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection use while performing that inspection?

A checklist provided by the manufacturer of the equipment being inspected or one obtained from another source, or of one's own design. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered preventive maintenance?

Any simple operation that does not involve complex assembly operations. Signup and view all the answers

Where can the scope and detail of Items To Be Included in Annual and 100-Hour Inspections be found?

14 CFR 43 Appendix D. Signup and view all the answers

Where can you find a list of Major Alterations, Major Repairs, and Preventive Maintenance?

A complete list is found in Appendix A to Part 43. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between Overhauled and Rebuilt?

The tolerances to which the item was inspected. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes the approval for return to service after maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration?

The signature constitutes the approval for return to service for the work performed. Signup and view all the answers

Major alterations to the rotor blades of helicopters are considered to be airframe, powerplant, or appliance major alteration.

True Signup and view all the answers

Conversions of any sort for the purpose of using fuel of a rating or grade other than that listed in the specifications is considered to be a _________________________ major alteration.

powerplant Signup and view all the answers

What performance standard is required as to the condition of an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance after maintenance has been completed?

Each person maintaining or altering, or performing preventive maintenance, shall do that work in such a manner and use materials it will be at least equal to its original or properly altered condition. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Maintenance and Preventive Maintenance

Maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations can be performed by persons under supervision of an authorized mechanic, who must observe the work to ensure proper execution.
A holder of at least a private pilot certificate can perform preventive maintenance on owned or operated aircraft not used in air carrier service.

Aircraft Return to Service

Approval for return to service requires:
- A maintenance record entry
- Executed repair or alteration form
- Revised aircraft flight manual if any operational limitations or flight data change.

Approving Aircraft After Maintenance

Approval after preventive maintenance can be done by anyone holding at least a private pilot certificate, mechanic certificate, inspection authorization, or repairman’s certificate.

Maintenance Record Entries

Maintenance records must include:
- Description of work performed
- Date of completion
- Name and signature of the person performing the work
- Certification details of the person approving the work.

Life-Limited Parts

Life-limited parts have specified mandatory replacement limits in the type design, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, or maintenance manual.
The "life status" of a life-limited part refers to its accumulated cycles, hours, or mandatory replacement limits.

Types of Repairs

Minor repairs are classified as those that do not qualify as major repairs.
Inspection record entries must detail type and description of inspection, inspection date, total time in service, and certification details.

Inspection Records

For non-progressive inspections, maintenance entries must include a certification statement confirming the aircraft's airworthy condition after inspection.

Fraudulent Entries Consequences

Intentionally false statements or alterations in maintenance records can lead to suspension or revocation of relevant airman certificates.

Inspection Procedures

Annual and 100-hour inspections require the use of a checklist provided by the equipment manufacturer or other reliable sources.
Preventive maintenance refers to simple operations that do not involve complex assembly.

Regulatory References

Scope and details for Annual and 100-Hour Inspections are found in 14 CFR 43 Appendix D.
A list of Major Alterations, Major Repairs, and Preventive Maintenance is also located in Appendix A to Part 43.

Overhaul vs Rebuild

The distinction between overhauled and rebuilt items is based on the specific tolerances to which they were inspected.

Return to Service Approval

Approval for return to service after any maintenance action is signified by the responsible person's signature.

Major Alterations

Major alterations such as rotor blade modifications for helicopters are classified under airframe, powerplant, or appliance alterations.
Converting fuel types or ratings constitutes a powerplant major alteration.

Performance Standards Post-Maintenance

Maintenance work must be done to assure the aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance is at least equal to its original condition or properly altered state.

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Description

Test your knowledge about aircraft maintenance, preventive maintenance procedures, and the necessary documentation for returning an aircraft to service. This quiz covers essential requirements for maintenance records and approval protocols, ensuring safety and compliance in aviation.