FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Regulations (Part 121)Medium
During cruise flight, a Part 121 crew experiences an in-flight engine shutdown due to an uncontained engine failure. Under 14 CFR 121.703, within what time period must the certificate holder notify the FAA of this occurrence?
- AWithin 72 hours after the occurrence
- BWithin 24 hours after the occurrence
- CWithin 10 days as part of the routine maintenance log entry
- DImmediately by radio before the flight lands
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Within 24 hours after the occurrence
Section 121.703 requires certificate holders to report specific mechanical occurrences, including engine failures and uncontained engine failures, to the FAA within 24 hours after the occurrence, typically through a mechanical reliability/service difficulty report.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 72 hours is too long and does not match the regulatory standard.
- C. A routine maintenance log entry does not satisfy the required FAA report timeline.
- D. Immediate radio notification is not the regulatory reporting requirement, though PIC notification under 121.557 is separate.
Mechanical Reliability Reports (121.703)
Requires certificate holders to report specified mechanical occurrences (e.g., engine failures, fires, certain system malfunctions) to the FAA within 24 hours.
- 24-hour reporting window
- Covers engine failures, fires, flight control malfunctions, etc.
- Separate from routine maintenance recordkeeping
Memory trick: "24 hours to tell the tower about the trouble."