SkyDrill

Equivalent test apparatus under § 43.13(a)

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 11 of 37 on Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications. ACS element AM.I.I.K14 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA manufacturer's maintenance manual recommends a specific test apparatus for a task, but the mechanic's shop does not have that exact unit. Under 14 CFR § 43.13(a), what may the mechanic do?

  1. AUse equivalent equipment acceptable to the Administrator
  2. BUse any equipment the mechanic judges to be adequate
  3. CSkip the test and note the missing apparatus in the record entry
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Use equivalent equipment acceptable to the Administrator

  • A — correct § 43.13(a) requires the recommended equipment or apparatus or its equivalent acceptable to the Administrator.
  • B — incorrect The substitute must be equivalent and acceptable to the Administrator; the mechanic's personal judgment alone does not satisfy the rule.
  • C — incorrect § 43.13(a) requires the work to be completed with the necessary tools, equipment, and test apparatus; omitting a required test is not permitted.

BACKGROUND

Section 43.13(a) of 14 CFR part 43 is the general performance rule for maintenance. It requires each person performing maintenance, alteration, or preventive maintenance to use the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the current manufacturer's maintenance manual or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA), or other methods acceptable to the Administrator, except as noted in § 43.16. The same paragraph requires the use of the tools, equipment, and test apparatus necessary to complete the work in accordance with accepted industry practices, and it states that if the manufacturer recommends special equipment or test apparatus, the person must use that equipment or its equivalent acceptable to the Administrator. The Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook–General cautions that proving the equivalence of test equipment may not be as simple as it seems.

STUDY TIP

When a manual names special test equipment, the only substitute allowed is an equivalent that is acceptable to the Administrator.

KEY POINTS

  • § 43.13(a) requires the manufacturer's current methods, techniques, and practices or others acceptable to the Administrator.
  • Necessary tools, equipment, and test apparatus must be used.
  • Recommended special equipment may be replaced only by an equivalent acceptable to the Administrator.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 43.13(a)
  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch02 "Section 43.13--Performance Rules (General)"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON REGULATIONS, MAINTENANCE FORMS, RECORDS, AND PUBLICATIONS

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.