FAA Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA)Airframe InspectionMedium
An owner has a non-structural cargo door installed as a major alteration on a Cessna 182 using approved data. Before the aircraft is returned to service, which inspection must be performed to verify the alteration matches the approved data exactly?
- AA special flight permit inspection
- BA progressive inspection
- CA conformity inspection
- DA zonal inspection
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. A conformity inspection
A conformity inspection verifies that the installed alteration matches the approved engineering data and drawings before the aircraft is approved for return to service. This is distinct from routine scheduled inspections like zonal or progressive programs.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Special flight permits allow flight with known discrepancies, not verification of alterations.
- B. Progressive inspections are an alternative to annual/100-hour scheduling, unrelated to alteration approval.
- D. Zonal inspections are a scheduled program dividing the aircraft into areas, not alteration verification.
Conformity Inspection
An inspection performed to verify that an aircraft, component, or alteration conforms exactly to approved engineering data, drawings, or specifications.
- Used for major alterations, repairs, and new production items
- Confirms compliance with approved data before return to service
- Often required before FAA Form 337 sign-off
- Distinct from recurring scheduled maintenance inspections
Memory trick: Conformity = 'confirm it matches' the blueprint before flight