FAA Ground School Practice Test

Before carrying passengers, what must an aircraft have that has been altered significantly?

1. An FAA special airworthiness certificate

2. A new airworthiness directive

3. Approval from a certified mechanic

4. A flight test by an appropriately-rated pilot

The correct answer is: A flight test by an appropriately-rated pilot

When an aircraft has undergone significant alterations, it is essential for safety and regulatory compliance that it undergoes a flight test by an appropriately-rated pilot. This flight test is critical to evaluate whether the aircraft performs as intended and remains safe to operate following the modifications. The rationale behind this requirement is that significant alterations can affect various aspects of an aircraft's performance, handling characteristics, or systems operation. The appropriately-rated pilot has the skills and knowledge necessary to determine whether the aircraft is airworthy after these changes. This test ensures that any potential issues resulting from the alterations are identified and addressed before the aircraft is cleared to carry passengers. In contrast, while other options may involve different processes related to aircraft modifications, they do not specifically address the direct assessment of the aircraft's flight characteristics post-alteration. For example, an FAA special airworthiness certificate pertains to aircraft that may not meet the normal certification requirements but is still deemed safe; however, it does not negate the need for an actual flight-test evaluation.