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Flashlight angle for surface crack inspection

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 8 of 21 on Inspection Concepts and Techniques. ACS element AM.I.K.K5 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONWhen using a flashlight to search for surface cracks, at what angle should the light beam be directed to the inspection surface?

  1. ADirectly perpendicular (90 degrees) to the surface
  2. B45 to 90 degrees
  3. C5 to 45 degrees
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. 5 to 45 degrees

  • A — incorrect A perpendicular beam is not the recommended search angle; a right-angle beam is used only afterward to trace the length of a crack already found.
  • B — incorrect The recommended range is 5 to 45 degrees, not 45 to 90 degrees.
  • C — correct The handbook directs that the light beam be aimed at a 5 to 45 degree angle to the inspection surface, toward the face, with the eyes kept above the reflected beam.

BACKGROUND

Visual inspection can be enhanced with a bright light, a magnifying glass and a mirror. When searching for surface cracks with a flashlight, the beam is directed at a 5 to 45 degree angle to the inspection surface toward the face, and the eyes are kept above the reflected light beam so the reflection does not shine into them. Once a crack is found, its extent is determined by directing the beam at right angles to the crack and tracing its length. A 10-power magnifying glass is used to confirm a suspected crack, and if that is not adequate, penetrant, magnetic particle or eddy current methods are used.

STUDY TIP

Remember two numbers for flashlight crack inspection: a 5 to 45 degree beam angle and a 10-power magnifier for confirmation.

KEY POINTS

  • Direct the flashlight beam at 5 to 45 degrees to the surface, toward the face.
  • Keep the eyes above the reflected beam.
  • Confirm suspected cracks with a 10-power magnifying glass.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch10 "Surface Cracks"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.