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Meaning of the mechanic's signature in a maintenance record

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 3 of 12 on Airframe Inspection. ACS element AM.II.D.K1 · 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 § 43.9, the signature of the person who approves work in a maintenance record entry constitutes what?

  1. AApproval for return to service only for the work performed
  2. BApproval for return to service of the complete aircraft system
  3. CCertification that the aircraft is free of discrepancies
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Approval for return to service only for the work performed

  • A — correct § 43.9(a)(4) states that the signature constitutes the approval for return to service only for the work performed.
  • B — incorrect The regulation limits the effect of the signature to the work that was performed, not to the aircraft as a whole.
  • C — incorrect No such certification is created by the entry; § 43.9 requires only a description of work, date, name if different, and the signature with certificate number and kind of certificate.

BACKGROUND

14 CFR § 43.9 sets the content of a maintenance record entry for maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration other than inspections made under parts 91 and 125. The entry must contain a description of (or reference to acceptable data for) the work performed, the date the work was completed, the name of the person performing the work if different from the person approving it, and the signature, certificate number, and kind of certificate held by the person approving the work. The last item carries a specific legal meaning: the signature is the approval for return to service, but only for the work that entry describes. Major repairs and major alterations require an additional form under appendix B in addition to this entry.

STUDY TIP

Memorize the four items required by § 43.9(a) and note the limiting words "only for the work performed" in paragraph (a)(4). Test items often try to stretch that signature to cover the whole aircraft.

KEY POINTS

  • § 43.9(a) lists four required items for a maintenance record entry.
  • The approving signature covers only the work described in that entry.
  • Major repairs and alterations also require the form prescribed in appendix B.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 43.9(a)(4)
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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.