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Role of the skin in stressed skin construction

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 6 of 20 on Metallic Structures. ACS element AM.II.A.K16 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONIn stressed skin construction, what is the role of the aircraft's external covering?

  1. AIt only gives the aircraft its shape
  2. BIt carries loads only during the landing roll
  3. CIt carries part or all of the main loads
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. It carries part or all of the main loads

  • A — incorrect Providing contour is not the defining feature; in this form of construction the covering is a load-carrying member.
  • B — incorrect The skin carries a large portion of the load imposed on the structure generally, not only in one phase of operation.
  • C — correct Stressed skin is defined as construction in which the external covering carries part or all of the main loads imposed on the structure.

BACKGROUND

In aircraft construction, stressed skin is a form of construction in which the external covering of the aircraft carries part or all of the main loads. It is made from high strength rolled aluminum sheets and carries a large portion of the load imposed on the airframe. Because not all skin is equally important structurally, specific skin areas are classified as highly critical, semicritical, or noncritical, and the applicable maintenance manual must be consulted to determine repair requirements for a given area. Minor damage to the outside skin can be repaired by applying a patch to the inside of the damaged sheet, with a filler plug installed in the hole left by removing the damaged area so the outside surface stays aerodynamically smooth. The patch plate is made of the same material as the original skin and of the same thickness or the next greater thickness.

STUDY TIP

Tie the term stressed skin to the idea of a load-carrying covering, and remember that repair requirements depend on whether the area is classed as highly critical, semicritical, or noncritical.

KEY POINTS

  • Stressed skin construction makes the external covering carry part or all of the main loads.
  • Skin areas are classed as highly critical, semicritical, or noncritical for repair purposes.
  • Patch plates use the same material as the skin, at the same or the next greater thickness.

SOURCES

  • sources/ama-airframe/ch04.txt "Repair of Stressed Skin Structure"
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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.