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Part 43 applicability to experimental aircraft

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 29 of 37 on Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications. ACS element AM.I.I.K9 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAn aircraft has held only an experimental airworthiness certificate since it was built. Under 14 CFR § 43.1, does part 43 govern maintenance on that aircraft?

  1. AYes, part 43 applies to all U.S. civil aircraft
  2. BNo, part 43 does not apply to it
  3. CYes, but only appendix A applies to it
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. No, part 43 does not apply to it

  • A — incorrect Part 43 applies to aircraft having a U.S. airworthiness certificate, but § 43.1(b) carves out aircraft that have held only an experimental certificate.
  • B — correct § 43.1(b)(1) states that part 43 does not apply to any aircraft for which the FAA has issued an experimental airworthiness certificate, unless the FAA previously issued a different kind of airworthiness certificate for that aircraft.
  • C — incorrect No such partial application exists; § 43.1(b)(1) removes the aircraft from part 43 entirely.

BACKGROUND

14 CFR § 43.1 sets the applicability of part 43, which prescribes rules for the maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration of aircraft having a U.S. airworthiness certificate, certain foreign-registered aircraft used under parts 121 or 135, and their airframes, engines, propellers, appliances, and component parts. Paragraph (b)(1) excludes any aircraft for which the FAA has issued an experimental airworthiness certificate, unless the FAA had previously issued a different kind of airworthiness certificate for that aircraft. Part 43 does apply, with certain exceptions, to aircraft holding a special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category. FAA-H-8083-30B chapter 2 describes part 43 as the standard for maintaining civil aircraft registered in the United States.

STUDY TIP

Learn the exclusion and its exception together: experimental-only aircraft are outside part 43, but an aircraft that once held a standard certificate stays inside it.

KEY POINTS

  • Part 43 covers maintenance and alteration of aircraft with a U.S. airworthiness certificate.
  • An aircraft that has held only an experimental airworthiness certificate is excluded.
  • The exclusion does not apply if a different kind of airworthiness certificate was previously issued.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 43.1(a) and (b)(1)
  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch02 "14 CFR Part 43" overview
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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.