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Instrument work excluded from mechanic privileges

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 31 of 37 on Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications. ACS element AM.I.I.K1 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONUnder 14 CFR § 65.81, which work is excluded from the privileges of a certificated mechanic even on a product for which the mechanic is rated?

  1. AMinor repairs to propellers performed under supervision
  2. BPreventive maintenance on an appliance
  3. CAny repair to, or alteration of, instruments
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Any repair to, or alteration of, instruments

  • A — incorrect Only major repairs and major alterations of propellers are excluded by § 65.81(a); minor propeller repairs remain within a rated mechanic's privileges.
  • B — incorrect § 65.81(a) expressly includes preventive maintenance of an aircraft or appliance for which the mechanic is rated; it is not excluded.
  • C — correct § 65.81(a) lets a rated mechanic perform or supervise maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration, but specifically excludes major repairs to and major alterations of propellers, and any repair to or alteration of instruments.

BACKGROUND

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65, subpart D, sets the privileges and limitations of a mechanic certificate. Section 65.81(a) allows a certificated mechanic to perform or supervise the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of an aircraft or appliance for which that person is rated. Two categories are carved out entirely: major repairs to and major alterations of propellers, and any repair to or alteration of instruments. FAA-H-8083-30B chapter 13 notes that these activities are reserved for certificated repairmen at an authorized repair station.

STUDY TIP

Memorize the two carve-outs in § 65.81(a) as a pair: propellers (major work only) and instruments (any repair or alteration).

KEY POINTS

  • A rated mechanic may perform or supervise maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations.
  • Major repairs and major alterations of propellers are excluded.
  • Any repair to or alteration of instruments is excluded.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 65.81(a)
  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch13 "Section 65.81, General Privileges and Limitations"
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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.