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Checklist a mechanic may use for an annual inspection

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 1 of 12 on Airframe Inspection. ACS element AM.II.D.R3 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONUnder 14 CFR § 43.15, which checklist may a mechanic use while performing an annual inspection?

  1. AOnly a checklist supplied by the equipment manufacturer
  2. BOne of the mechanic's own design covering appendix D
  3. COnly a checklist approved by the local FSDO office
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. One of the mechanic's own design covering appendix D

  • A — incorrect A manufacturer's checklist is allowed and is often preferred, but the regulation does not make it the only acceptable source.
  • B — correct § 43.15(c)(1) permits a checklist of the person's own design as long as it includes the scope and detail of the items in appendix D.
  • C — incorrect No FSDO approval of the checklist is required by § 43.15; the regulation sets content requirements, not an approval step.

BACKGROUND

14 CFR § 43.15(c)(1) requires each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection to use a checklist. The checklist may be of the person's own design, one provided by the manufacturer of the equipment being inspected, or one obtained from another source, but whatever its origin it must include the scope and detail of the items in appendix D to part 43 and, for rotorcraft, the additional items in § 43.15(b). The manufacturer's checklist is generally the preferred choice because it separates the aircraft into areas such as engine, cabin, wing, empennage, and landing gear and typically lists the service bulletins and service letters that apply to those areas and to installed appliances. Before the inspection begins, the mechanic removes or opens all necessary inspection plates, access doors, fairings, and cowling and thoroughly cleans the aircraft and engine.

STUDY TIP

Remember that the source of the checklist is flexible but its content is not: it must cover appendix D. For rotorcraft, add the drive shafts, transmission gear box, main rotor, and auxiliary rotor items of § 43.15(b).

KEY POINTS

  • A checklist is mandatory for annual and 100-hour inspections.
  • It may be self-designed, from the manufacturer, or from another source.
  • It must include the scope and detail of appendix D to part 43.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 43.15(c)(1)
  • 14 CFR part 43, appendix D, paragraph (a)
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MORE ON AIRFRAME INSPECTION

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.