FAA Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA)Airframe StructuresEasy
A technician examining a semi-monocoque fuselage section identifies several ring-shaped structural members spaced along the fuselage length that give the fuselage its cross-sectional shape but do not run continuously along its length. What are these members called?
- ABulkheads (formers)
- BStringers
- CLongerons
- DSkin panels
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Bulkheads (formers)
Bulkheads (also called formers) are transverse (ring-like) structural members that give the fuselage its cross-sectional shape and help distribute concentrated loads into the skin, but unlike longerons they do not extend the length of the fuselage.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Stringers are lighter longitudinal members, also running along fuselage length.
- C. Longerons are heavy longitudinal members running the length of the fuselage.
- D. Skin panels are the outer covering, not internal ring-shaped framing members.
Bulkhead / Former
A transverse (ring-shaped) structural member in a semi-monocoque fuselage that maintains the cross-sectional shape and distributes loads into the skin, but does not run the length of the fuselage.
- Runs perpendicular (transverse) to the fuselage's longitudinal axis.
- Maintains fuselage shape and distributes concentrated loads.
- Works with longerons and stringers, which run longitudinally.
Memory trick: Bulkhead = a barrel hoop holding the fuselage's round shape