FAA Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA)Fuel, Cabin and Ice Control SystemsEasy
A technician inspecting a bladder-type fuel cell in a general aviation wing tank finds several small wrinkles in the bladder material after installation. What is the correct course of action?
- AImmediately reject and replace the bladder cell regardless of wrinkle size
- BFill the tank with fuel to stretch the bladder smooth before further inspection
- CTreat the wrinkles as evidence of fuel contamination and purge the entire fuel system
- DWrinkles are normal in bladder cells and require no corrective action beyond manufacturer limits
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Wrinkles are normal in bladder cells and require no corrective action beyond manufacturer limits
Bladder-type fuel cells are flexible and commonly develop minor wrinkles during installation; manufacturers specify acceptable wrinkle limits, and cells are inspected against those limits rather than being rejected outright.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Overly conservative; not all wrinkles require replacement.
- B. Filling with fuel is not an approved method to correct installation wrinkles.
- C. Wrinkles are a physical installation characteristic, not a sign of contamination.
Bladder-Type Fuel Cell
A flexible, synthetic rubber fuel tank liner installed inside a wing or fuselage bay structure that holds fuel without being load-bearing.
- Made of synthetic rubber-coated fabric
- Minor wrinkles are normal within manufacturer limits
- Supported by the surrounding structural cavity, not self-supporting
Memory trick: Bladders bend, wrinkles are friends (within limits).