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Definition of a life-limited part

Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP) practice question 5 of 9 on Engine Inspection. ACS element AM.III.C.K1 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONUnder 14 CFR part 43, what makes an aircraft engine part a life-limited part?

  1. AA mandatory replacement limit is specified for it.
  2. BIt has been overhauled more than one time.
  3. CIt is tracked by serial number in the engine records.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. A mandatory replacement limit is specified for it.

  • A — correct Section 43.10(a) defines a life-limited part as any part for which a mandatory replacement limit is specified in the type design, the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, or the maintenance manual.
  • B — incorrect The number of overhauls a part has been through has nothing to do with the definition in § 43.10(a); the defining feature is a mandatory replacement limit.
  • C — incorrect Serial number record keeping is one acceptable way to control a life-limited part after removal, not what makes the part life-limited in the first place.

BACKGROUND

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 43 governs maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration. Section 43.10(a) defines a life-limited part as any part for which a mandatory replacement limit is specified in the type design, the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA), or the maintenance manual. The same paragraph defines life status as the accumulated cycles, hours, or other mandatory replacement limit of that part. Turbine discs, shafts, and similar highly stressed engine parts are typical examples, and the limit follows the part, not the engine it happens to be installed in.

STUDY TIP

Learn the § 43.10(a) definitions of life-limited part and life status word for word; the test asks about the mandatory replacement limit, not about how the part is tracked.

KEY POINTS

  • A life-limited part has a mandatory replacement limit specified for it
  • The limit comes from the type design, the ICA, or the maintenance manual
  • Life status is the accumulated cycles, hours, or other replacement limit

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 43.10(a)
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MORE ON ENGINE INSPECTION

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.