FAA Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA)Airframe InspectionMedium
A Cessna 172 experiences a hard landing during a training flight. Following the manufacturer's maintenance manual guidance for a hard/overweight landing special inspection, which area should the technician primarily inspect for damage?
- AAileron cable tension only
- BPropeller blades for surface nicks only
- CLanding gear, gear attach fittings, wing spar attach points, and firewall for cracks or deformation
- DTire pressure and brake pad wear only
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Landing gear, gear attach fittings, wing spar attach points, and firewall for cracks or deformation
A hard landing special inspection focuses on structural areas that absorb and transmit high impact loads, including the landing gear, gear attachment fittings, wing spar carry-through structure, and firewall, checking for cracks, buckling, or deformation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Cable tension is unrelated to impact load damage from a hard landing.
- B. Propeller inspection is not the primary concern unless it contacted the runway.
- D. Tires and brakes are routine items, not the focus of a structural hard-landing inspection.
Hard/Overweight Landing Special Inspection
A special inspection performed after a reported hard or overweight landing to check load-bearing structures for hidden damage beyond normal wear.
- Focuses on landing gear, attach fittings, wing spar, and firewall
- Required by manufacturer maintenance manual guidance
- May include measuring for wrinkles, cracks, or shifted rivets
Memory trick: 'Hard landing hits the Gear, Spar, and Firewall hardest.'