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Structural check called for after a hard landing

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 7 of 12 on Airframe Inspection. ACS element AM.II.D.K4 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAfter an aircraft experiences a hard landing, what should be checked to confirm that components are not distorted and remain within specified limits?

  1. AThe dihedral and incidence angles of the wings
  2. BThe tension of the aileron balance cable system
  3. CThe torque of the propeller mounting bolts
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. The dihedral and incidence angles of the wings

  • A — correct The handbook directs that dihedral and incidence angles be checked after hard landings or abnormal flight loads to confirm the components are not distorted and the angles are within limits.
  • B — incorrect Cable tension is a normal rigging adjustment; it is not the check the handbook specifies for distortion after a hard landing.
  • C — incorrect Propeller bolt torque is an item of the propeller group inspection and is not the distortion check described for hard landings.

BACKGROUND

On most modern aircraft the dihedral and incidence angles are set in production and cannot be adjusted, although some manufacturers allow the wing angle of incidence to be adjusted to correct a wing-heavy condition. Because these angles are fixed by structure, a change in them is evidence that the structure itself has been distorted. For that reason the handbook calls for checking dihedral and incidence angles after a hard landing or after abnormal flight loads. The check is made with special rigging boards carrying a spirit level or inclinometer, or on some aircraft with a transit and plumb bobs or a theodolite and sighting rods, using the equipment specified by the manufacturer.

STUDY TIP

Connect the event to the measurement: an abnormal load event calls for an alignment check, not just a visual walkaround. Always use the manufacturer's specified method and equipment.

KEY POINTS

  • Dihedral and incidence angles are normally not adjustable.
  • They are checked after hard landings or abnormal flight loads.
  • Rigging boards, transits, plumb bobs, or theodolites are used as specified.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-31B ch02 "Aircraft Rigging" (structural alignment)
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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.