Aircraft Maintenance Requirements (part 2)

Question 1

What limitations apply to aircraft operations conducted using the deferral provision of 14 CFR §91.213(d)? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 1

1. Maintenance deferrals are not used for inflight discrepancies. The manufacturer’s AFM/POH procedures are to be used in those situations

Question 2

During the preflight inspection in an aircraft that doesn’t have a MEL, you notice that an instrument or equipment item is inoperative. Describe how you will determine if the aircraft is still airworthy for flight. (14 CFR 91.213(d), FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 2

1. I will ask myself the following questions to determine if I can legally fly the aircraft:
2. Is the inoperative equipment listed as “Required” on the aircraft’s equipment list
3. Is the inoperative equipment required by Part 91.205, 91.207, 91.213 or any other rule of Part 91 for the specific kind of flight operation being conducted (VFR, IFR, day, night)
4. Is the inoperative equipment required to be operational by an AD

Question 3

What are Minimum Equipment Lists (MEL)? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 3

1. A list of the minimum equipment an aircraft to be operated with, under specific conditions
2. The FAA considers an approved MEL to be a supplemental type certificate (STC)
3. An MEL is issued to an aircraft by serial number and registration number

Question 4

For an aircraft with an approved MEL, explain the decision sequence a pilot would use after discovering the position lights are inoperative. (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 4

1. Prior to a daytime flight, the item is either repaired or deferred in accordance with the MEL
2. Providing that daytime flight is acceptable, leave the position lights switch OFF, open the circuit breaker, and placard the position light switch as “INOPERATIVE”

Question 5

Explain the limitations that apply to aircraft operations being conducted using an MEL. (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 5

1. Inoperative equipment in small, non-turbine-powered aircraft operated under Part 91, may be deferred in accordance with an MEL

Question 6

What instruments and equipment are required for VFR day flight? (14 CFR 91.205)

Answer 6

1. Tachometer (for each engine)
2. Manifold pressure gauge (for each altitude engine, i.e. turbocharged)
3. Oil pressure gauge (for each engine)
4. Oil temperature gauge (for each air-cooled engine)
5. Water temperature gauge (for each liquid-cooled engine)
6. Fuel gauge (for each tank)
7. Altimeter
8. Airspeed indicator
9. Magnetic direction indicator
10. Flotation gear (if operated for hire over water beyond power-off gliding distance from shore)
11. Landing gear position indicator (if the airplane has retractable gear)
12. Anticollision light system (aviation red or white for small airplanes certificated after March 11, 1996)
13. Emergency locator transmitter
14. Safety belts (and shoulder harnesses for each front seat)

Question 7

What instruments and equipment are required for VFR night flight? (14 CFR 91.205)

Answer 7

1. For VFR flight at night, all the instruments and equipment for VFR day flight are required, plus the following:
2. Fuses (one spare set or three fuses of each kind required accessible to the pilot in flight)
3. Source of electrical energy (adequate for all installed electrical and radio equipment)
4. Landing light (if the aircraft is operated for hire)
5. Anticollision light system (approved aviation red or white)
6. Position lights (navigation lights)

Question 8

Who can perform maintenance on an aircraft? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 8

1. Certificated A&P mechanic
2. An FAA-certificated repair station
3. The aircraft manufacturer

Question 9

Define preventive maintenance. (FAA-H-8083-25, 14 CFR Part 43, AC 43-12)

Answer 9

1. Simple or minor preservation operations
2. Certificated pilots (excluding student pilots, sport pilots, and recreational pilots) may perform preventive maintenance on any aircraft that is owned or operated by them (provided that aircraft is not used in air carrier service)
3. Maintenance must be in accordance with 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A, Paragraph C

Question 10

What logbook entry information is required of a pilot performing preventive maintenance? (FAA-H-8083-25, 14 CFR 43.3)

Answer 10

1. A description of the work and the date it was completed
2. The pilot’s name and signature
3. The pilot’s certificate number and type of certificate held

Question 11

While inspecting the engine logbook of the rental aircraft you are planning to fly, you notice that the engine has exceeded its time between overhaul (TBO). What is a TBO and is it legal to fly this aircraft? (AC 20-105)

Answer 11

1. TBO is established by the manufacturer and is an estimate of the number of hours the engine could perform reliably within the established engine parameters
2. For Part 91 operations, compliance to the TBO is not a mandatory maintenance requirement

Question 12

What are several good reasons for aircraft owners to comply with TBO times recommended by the manufacturer? (AC 20-105)

Answer 12

1. Running the engine past TBO typically accelerates the overall wear of the engine at an exponential rate, decreasing reliability and safety
2. An engine overhaul at TBO is typically less expensive than an engine that has been run past its TBO