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Reverser safety before maintenance work

Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP) practice question 8 of 8 on Engine Exhaust and Reverser Systems. ACS element AM.III.L.R1 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA mechanic is about to perform maintenance with personnel working in the area of a turbofan thrust reverser. What does the handbook require?

  1. AMechanically lock out the reverser system
  2. BSet the thrust levers to idle and stow the cowl
  3. CTurn off the flight deck reverser indication
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Mechanically lock out the reverser system

  • A — correct While performing any type of maintenance, the reverser system must be mechanically locked out from deploying while personnel are in the area of the reverser system.
  • B — incorrect Idle thrust levers and a stowed translating cowl are normal operating conditions, not the positive mechanical lockout the handbook requires for personnel safety during maintenance.
  • C — incorrect The flight deck indication only shows the status of the reverser system; removing an indication does nothing to physically prevent the system from deploying.

BACKGROUND

A thrust reverser must not have any adverse effect on engine operation, whether deployed or stowed, and there is generally an indication in the flight deck showing the status of the reverser system. The system consists of several components that move either the clamshell doors or the blocker doors and translating cowl. Actuating power is generally pneumatic or hydraulic and uses gearboxes, flexdrives, screwjacks, control valves, and air or hydraulic motors to deploy or stow the system. The systems are locked in the stowed position until commanded to deploy from the flight deck. Because there are several moving parts, maintenance and inspection requirements are very important, and the reverser must be mechanically locked out from deploying whenever personnel are in its area.

STUDY TIP

Treat a powered, multi-actuator reverser like any other stored-energy system: a positive mechanical lockout, not a switch position or an indication, is what protects people. Expect a question that offers a soft substitute for the lockout.

KEY POINTS

  • Reverser actuation is pneumatic or hydraulic through gearboxes, screwjacks, and motors.
  • Systems stay locked stowed until the flight deck commands deployment.
  • During any maintenance, mechanically lock the reverser out while personnel are in its area.

SOURCES

  • sources/amp-powerplant/ch03.txt "Thrust Reversers"
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MORE ON ENGINE EXHAUST AND REVERSER SYSTEMS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-32B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Powerplant, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.