FAA Aviation Mechanic General (AMG)Regulations, Records and Human FactorsHard
A technician replaces a wing spar section that, if improperly repaired, could appreciably affect the structural strength of the aircraft. Under 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A, this repair is classified as which type of repair?
- AMajor repair
- BMinor repair
- CAlteration only, not a repair
- DPreventive maintenance
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Major repair
Part 43, Appendix A defines a major repair as one that, if improperly done, might appreciably affect weight, balance, structural strength, performance, powerplant operation, flight characteristics, or other qualities affecting airworthiness. A wing spar repair clearly falls into this category.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Minor repairs are those that do not appreciably affect airworthiness qualities, which does not describe a primary structural member repair.
- C. This is a repair (restoring to serviceable condition) rather than an alteration (changing configuration), so this option mischaracterizes the work.
- D. Preventive maintenance is limited to simple, low-risk tasks listed in Appendix A, not structural repairs.
Major Repair Definition (Appendix A)
Per 14 CFR 43 Appendix A, a major repair is one that if improperly done might appreciably affect weight, balance, structural strength, performance, powerplant operation, flight characteristics, or other airworthiness qualities.
- Wing spars, primary structure, and engine mounts are classic major repair examples
- Major repairs require an FAA Form 337 entry
- Minor repairs are all other repairs not meeting the major repair definition
Memory trick: 'Spar = structure' — anything touching primary structure is major.