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Visual indication of a resin-starved composite part

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 25 of 30 on Non-Metallic Structures. ACS element AM.II.B.K19 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONWhat visual indication identifies a resin-starved area in a composite laminate?

  1. AExtra weight and a glossy finish
  2. BA raised blister over the bondline
  3. CFibers that show to the surface
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Fibers that show to the surface

  • A — incorrect Added weight describes a resin-rich part, which results when too much resin is used, the opposite of a starved condition.
  • B — incorrect Blisters and air bubbles are listed as separate manufacturing defects and are not the indication of resin starvation.
  • C — correct Resin-starved areas are indicated by fibers that show to the surface of the part.

BACKGROUND

Manufacturing defects in composites include delamination, resin-starved areas, resin-rich areas, blisters and air bubbles, wrinkles, voids, and thermal decomposition. A part is resin rich if too much resin is used, which is not necessarily bad for nonstructural applications but adds weight. A part is resin starved if too much resin is bled off during the curing process or if not enough resin is applied during a wet layup. Resin-starved areas are indicated by fibers that show to the surface. A fiber to resin ratio of 60:40 is considered optimum.

STUDY TIP

Learn the paired opposites for composite content faults: starved shows dry fibers at the surface, rich adds weight, and 60:40 fiber to resin is the target between them.

KEY POINTS

  • Resin starvation shows as fibers visible at the part surface.
  • A resin-rich part carries unnecessary extra weight.
  • A 60:40 fiber to resin ratio is considered optimum.

SOURCES

  • ama-airframe/ch07.txt "Manufacturing Defects"
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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.