FAA Ground School Practice Test

What must occur if an alternator repair substantially affects an aircraft's operation in flight?

1. It must undergo a 100-hour inspection

2. It must be disassembled for re-evaluation

3. It must be test flown by an appropriately-rated pilot

4. It must be approved by an FAA inspector

The correct answer is: It must be test flown by an appropriately-rated pilot

If an alternator repair substantially affects an aircraft's operation in flight, it is essential that the aircraft is test flown by an appropriately-rated pilot. This procedure ensures that any changes made to the alternator, which is crucial for providing electrical power to the aircraft's systems, are fully operational and do not introduce any safety concerns. A test flight confirms that the alternator is functioning correctly and that the aircraft's electrical system, as a whole, is reliable during critical phases of flight. In the context of aviation safety, this step is vital because an alternator's failure or malfunction can lead to loss of power to essential equipment, which could compromise the aircraft's operational integrity. Conducting a test flight allows for assessment under actual flight conditions, providing confidence that the repair has restored the system to a safe state for flight operations. Other options, while relevant to various scenarios in aircraft maintenance, do not specifically address the urgent need for real-world performance verification following a significant repair affecting flight operations. A 100-hour inspection or disassembly for re-evaluation are routine procedures that may not be sufficient to evaluate the immediate effects of the alternator repair, and approval by an FAA inspector, while important for overall compliance, does not replace the necessity for direct flight testing