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Freezer storage of prepreg

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 30 of 30 on Non-Metallic Structures. ACS element AM.II.B.R4 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAt what temperature must prepreg, film adhesive, and foaming adhesives be stored?

  1. AIn a freezer below 0 °F
  2. BIn a refrigerator near 40 °F
  3. CAt room temperature near 70 °F
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. In a freezer below 0 °F

  • A — correct The handbook directs that prepreg, film adhesive, and foaming adhesives be stored in a freezer at a temperature below 0 °F.
  • B — incorrect Refrigeration near 40 °F is specified for laminating and paste adhesives, not for prepreg and film adhesives.
  • C — incorrect Room temperature consumes the material's mechanical life, which is measured from the time it leaves the freezer until it is returned.

BACKGROUND

Uncured prepreg materials have time limits for both storage and use, and cold storage is what preserves them. Prepreg, film adhesive, and foaming adhesives are stored in a freezer at a temperature below 0 °F, and the freezer must not be of the automatic defrost type because the defrost cycle periodically warms the interior and consumes allowable out-time. Laminating and paste adhesives are refrigerated instead, near 40 °F. The maximum time allowed for storing prepreg at low temperature is the storage life, typically six months to a year. Mechanical life is measured from the time the material is removed from the freezer until it is returned, and material that exceeds its mechanical life must be discarded.

STUDY TIP

Separate the two cold storage temperatures by material type, and remember why an automatic defrost freezer is unacceptable.

KEY POINTS

  • Prepreg and film adhesives are stored below 0 °F.
  • The freezer must not be the automatic defrost type.
  • Laminating and paste adhesives are refrigerated near 40 °F.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-31B ch07 "Prepreg"
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MORE ON NON-METALLIC STRUCTURES

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.