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Return to service after a major airframe repair

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 32 of 37 on Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications. ACS element AM.I.I.K1 · 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 holding an airframe rating but no inspection authorization performs a major repair to the wing spar of a standard-category airplane. Who may approve the airframe for return to service after that repair?

  1. AA mechanic holding an inspection authorization
  2. BThe airframe-rated mechanic who performed the repair
  3. CAny mechanic holding both airframe and powerplant ratings
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. A mechanic holding an inspection authorization

  • A — correct § 65.85(a) lets an airframe-rated mechanic approve an airframe for return to service after maintenance or alteration excluding major repairs and major alterations; § 65.95 gives the holder of an inspection authorization the privilege of approving a major repair or alteration for return to service.
  • B — incorrect The airframe rating's return-to-service privilege in § 65.85(a) excludes major repairs and major alterations, so the mechanic who did the work cannot approve it without an inspection authorization.
  • C — incorrect Holding both ratings does not add the major-repair approval privilege; §§ 65.85 and 65.87 each exclude major repairs and major alterations, and the approval requires an inspection authorization under § 65.95.

BACKGROUND

Under 14 CFR § 65.85(a), a mechanic with an airframe rating may approve for return to service an airframe or related part after performing, supervising, or inspecting its maintenance or alteration, but that privilege excludes major repairs and major alterations. FAA-H-8083-30B chapter 13 explains that the airframe mechanic may do the work for a major repair or alteration and should initiate FAA Form 337, but the return-to-service action must be accomplished by a certificated mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization (IA). Section 65.95 gives the IA the privilege of approving for return to service any aircraft-related part or appliance that has undergone a major repair or alteration. Repairs to spars are listed as airframe major repairs in appendix A to part 43.

STUDY TIP

Work the problem in two steps: first classify the work (spar repair is a major repair), then recall that the plain airframe rating stops short of major repairs and the IA picks up from there.

KEY POINTS

  • An airframe rating covers return to service after maintenance and alteration, excluding major repairs and major alterations.
  • Spar repairs are airframe major repairs under appendix A to part 43.
  • The holder of an inspection authorization approves major repairs and alterations for return to service.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 65.85(a)
  • 14 CFR 65.95
  • 14 CFR part 43 appendix A(b)(1)(iv)
  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch13 "Section 65.85, Airframe Rating: Additional Privileges"
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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.