FAA Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA)Airframe InspectionHard
During a walk-around inspection, a technician notices that a painted torque stripe applied across a fastener head and adjacent structure is broken and misaligned. What does this observation most likely indicate?
- AThe finish coating is due for a scheduled touch-up
- BThe fastener has rotated or loosened from its installed torque
- CThe structure has experienced a hard landing overstress
- DThe fastener has corroded and needs replacement
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The fastener has rotated or loosened from its installed torque
A torque stripe (or torque seal) is a brittle paint line applied across a properly torqued fastener and adjacent structure as a quick visual reference; if the fastener rotates due to loosening or vibration, the stripe breaks or becomes misaligned, alerting the inspector without needing to check torque with a wrench. This is a preventive visual indicator, not a corrosion or overstress indicator.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Torque stripe is a functional inspection aid, not a decorative finish coating.
- C. Overstress from a hard landing would show as skin wrinkling or structural deformation, not just a broken paint stripe.
- D. Corrosion produces oxide buildup or pitting, not a broken alignment mark.
Torque Stripe (Torque Seal)
A brittle line of paint applied across a fastener head and adjacent structure after proper torquing, used as a quick visual check to detect fastener loosening or rotation.
- Applied only after fastener is torqued to specification
- A broken/misaligned stripe indicates possible loosening
- Common on critical fasteners in flight controls, engine mounts, landing gear
Memory trick: Torque stripe breaks = bolt has 'walked'