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Condition that prompts the FAA to issue an AD

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 5 of 12 on Airframe Inspection. ACS element AM.II.D.K2 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONThe FAA issues an airworthiness directive (AD) for a product under what circumstance?

  1. AWhen a manufacturer issues a service letter revising the maintenance manual
  2. BWhen an unsafe condition is likely in other products of that type design
  3. CWhen an operator reports an unscheduled flight interruption
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. When an unsafe condition is likely in other products of that type design

  • A — incorrect Service letters may revise sections of maintenance manuals, but they are manufacturer publications and do not by themselves produce an AD.
  • B — correct The FAA issues an AD when an unsafe condition exists in a product and the condition is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
  • C — incorrect Mechanical interruption reports are a part 135 reporting duty and are unrelated to the condition that triggers an AD.

BACKGROUND

Airworthiness directives are published by the FAA as amendments to 14 CFR part 39, § 39.13, and they apply to aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances. The FAA issues them when an unsafe condition exists in a product and that condition is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Because ADs are regulations, compliance is mandatory, unlike a manufacturer's service bulletin or service letter, which is advisory unless it has been pulled into a regulatory document. A manufacturer's service instruction sometimes recommends a modification or repair before the FAA issues the AD that later makes similar action mandatory.

STUDY TIP

Anchor the AD trigger on two ideas at once: an unsafe condition and the likelihood that it exists or develops across the same type design. A one-off defect on a single aircraft is a maintenance issue, not an AD.

KEY POINTS

  • ADs are published as amendments to 14 CFR part 39, § 39.13.
  • They apply to aircraft, engines, propellers, and appliances.
  • The trigger is an unsafe condition likely to exist in the same type design.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-31B ch02 "Performing an Airframe Conformity & Airworthiness Inspection"
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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.