How does an IA determine whether a repair is major or minor?

How does an IA determine whether a repair is major or minor?

• A. By the color of the materials used.
• B. By the weather on the day of the work.
• C. By evaluating whether the work would affect weight and balance, structural strength, performance, or flight characteristics, or requires data beyond approved sources; treat as major if in doubt.
• D. By the cost of the repair.

Answer: (C)

Evaluating major versus minor repairs centers on safety and airworthiness. An IA determines major status by considering whether the repair would affect weight and balance (center of gravity), structural strength, performance, or flight characteristics, or whether it requires data beyond what is approved for the aircraft. If there’s any doubt, the repair is treated as major. This approach makes sure changes don’t compromise handling, structural integrity, or the aircraft’s certified performance, and that the repair is supported by appropriate, approved data or engineering analysis. Color of materials, weather on the day of the work, or cost do not influence this classification because they do not reflect safety, structural, or performance implications.

Evaluating major versus minor repairs centers on safety and airworthiness. An IA determines major status by considering whether the repair would affect weight and balance (center of gravity), structural strength, performance, or flight characteristics, or whether it requires data beyond what is approved for the aircraft. If there’s any doubt, the repair is treated as major. This approach makes sure changes don’t compromise handling, structural integrity, or the aircraft’s certified performance, and that the repair is supported by appropriate, approved data or engineering analysis.

Color of materials, weather on the day of the work, or cost do not influence this classification because they do not reflect safety, structural, or performance implications.