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Winglet installation as a major alteration

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 28 of 37 on Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications. ACS element AM.I.I.K7 · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA mechanic installs winglets on a standard-category airplane; the winglets are not listed in the aircraft specifications issued by the FAA. Applying appendix A to 14 CFR part 43, how is this work classified?

  1. AA minor alteration, because no primary structure is repaired
  2. BAn airframe major alteration
  3. CAn airframe major repair
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. An airframe major alteration

  • A — incorrect Whether structure is repaired is irrelevant to alteration classification; appendix A(a)(1)(i) makes any wing alteration not listed in the aircraft specifications a major alteration.
  • B — correct Installing winglets changes the aircraft from its previous state, so it is an alteration, and appendix A(a)(1) lists alterations of wings not listed in the aircraft specifications as airframe major alterations.
  • C — incorrect A repair returns the aircraft to its previous condition; adding winglets modifies the aircraft, which makes it an alteration rather than a repair.

BACKGROUND

Appendix A to 14 CFR part 43 defines major alterations, major repairs, and preventive maintenance. Paragraph (a)(1) states that alterations of listed parts, when not listed in the aircraft specifications issued by the FAA, are airframe major alterations; the list begins with wings, tail surfaces, fuselage, engine mounts, control system, landing gear, and hull or floats. FAA-H-8083-30B chapter 2 uses installing winglets as an example of an alteration, since an alteration always changes or modifies the aircraft from its previous state. A major alteration must be supported by approved data and documented on FAA Form 337.

STUDY TIP

Classify in two steps: repair or alteration first, then check the appendix A lists; anything touching the wings that is not in the aircraft specifications is major.

KEY POINTS

  • Winglets change the aircraft from its previous state, so the work is an alteration.
  • Wing alterations not listed in the aircraft specifications are airframe major alterations.
  • Major alterations require approved data and FAA Form 337.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR part 43 appendix A(a)(1)(i)
  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch02 "Section 43.5" discussion of repair vs. alteration
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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.