Which rotorcraft system is specified by FAR Part 43 to be inspected only by the maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness as provided by the manufacturer concerned?

Which rotorcraft system is specified by FAR Part 43 to be inspected only by the maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness as provided by the manufacturer concerned?

• A. Cyclic control
• B. Drive shaft
• C. Rudder pedal
• D. Tail rotor

Answer: (B)

FAR Part 43 allows some inspections to be governed by the manufacturer’s maintenance data or instructions for continued airworthiness because those items require model-specific procedures and tolerances. The drive shaft falls into this category because its inspection involves precise checks for spline wear, bearing condition, alignment, balancing, and lubrication that are unique to each rotorcraft model. These factors directly affect power transmission from the engine to the rotor and the overall safety of the rotor system, so the manufacturer provides specific inspection steps and intervals in the ICA or maintenance manual. The other items—cyclic control, rudder pedals, and the tail rotor—are addressed by general inspection requirements and standard procedures that apply broadly across rotorcraft, so they do not mandate exclusively following the manufacturer's ICA.

FAR Part 43 allows some inspections to be governed by the manufacturer’s maintenance data or instructions for continued airworthiness because those items require model-specific procedures and tolerances. The drive shaft falls into this category because its inspection involves precise checks for spline wear, bearing condition, alignment, balancing, and lubrication that are unique to each rotorcraft model. These factors directly affect power transmission from the engine to the rotor and the overall safety of the rotor system, so the manufacturer provides specific inspection steps and intervals in the ICA or maintenance manual.

The other items—cyclic control, rudder pedals, and the tail rotor—are addressed by general inspection requirements and standard procedures that apply broadly across rotorcraft, so they do not mandate exclusively following the manufacturer's ICA.