FAA Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA)Airframe StructuresEasy
A technician needs to raise an aircraft off the ground to perform a landing gear retraction test. Where should the jacks be placed to safely support the aircraft?
- AOnly under the nose landing gear strut
- BAnywhere along the wing spar that appears structurally solid
- CThe center of each wing panel, midway between the fuselage and wingtip
- DThe manufacturer-designated jack points, which are reinforced for concentrated loads
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The manufacturer-designated jack points, which are reinforced for concentrated loads
Aircraft structures are only reinforced to withstand concentrated jacking loads at specific manufacturer-designated jack points. Jacking at any other location can cause structural damage or deformation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Jacking only at the nose gear would not allow full aircraft support for gear retraction testing.
- B. Random spar locations are not reinforced for jacking loads and could be damaged.
- C. Mid-wing panels are not designed to carry concentrated jacking loads.
Aircraft Jacking Points
Specific structural locations designated by the manufacturer that are reinforced to safely support the aircraft's weight during jacking operations.
- Located per the aircraft maintenance manual
- Reinforced with additional structure to handle concentrated loads
- Improper jacking location can cause permanent structural damage
Memory trick: Jack only where the book says - not where it looks strong