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Engine replacement classified as a repair

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 27 of 37 on Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications. ACS element AM.I.I.K7 · 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 mechanic replaces an airplane's engine with another engine of the model specified for that aircraft in its type certificate data sheet. According to FAA-H-8083-30B, how is this work classified?

  1. AA repair, because it returns the aircraft to its previous condition
  2. BAn alteration, because an entire engine was changed
  3. CA major alteration, because the powerplant was removed and reinstalled
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. A repair, because it returns the aircraft to its previous condition

  • A — correct The handbook states that a repair returns the aircraft to its previous or unaltered condition, and that even replacing an entire engine is still a repair if it is the one properly specified for that aircraft.
  • B — incorrect The size of the job does not make it an alteration; the handbook says an alteration changes the aircraft from its previous state, such as installing an engine that is not listed in the TCDS.
  • C — incorrect Installing the specified engine does not modify the aircraft from its previous state, so it is not an alteration at all, major or minor.

BACKGROUND

FAA-H-8083-30B chapter 2 explains that before any maintenance action the technician must decide whether the work is a repair or an alteration, whether it is major or minor, and what documentation supports it. A repair basically returns the aircraft to its previous or unaltered condition; examples include replacing magnetos, an exhaust system, tires, or brakes. The handbook stresses that even replacing an entire engine is still a repair if it is the engine properly specified for that aircraft. An alteration, by contrast, always changes or modifies the aircraft from its previous state, such as installing winglets, new avionics, or an engine not listed in the aircraft's type certificate data sheet (TCDS).

STUDY TIP

Ask whether the aircraft ends up the same as before (repair) or different from before (alteration); the amount of labor involved is irrelevant.

KEY POINTS

  • A repair returns the aircraft to its previous or unaltered condition.
  • Replacing an engine with the specified model is a repair.
  • Installing an engine not listed in the TCDS is an alteration.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch02 "Section 43.5--Approval for return to service" discussion of repair vs. alteration
Practice the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
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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.