General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT typically checked during an exterior inspection?

1. Fluid leaks

2. Cabin pressure

3. Missing components

4. Obstructed static ports

The correct answer is: Cabin pressure

The selection of cabin pressure as something that is not typically checked during an exterior inspection is accurate because cabin pressure is an internal condition of the aircraft that is not visible from the outside. During an exterior inspection, the focus is primarily on evaluating components and conditions that can be readily observed without entering the aircraft. Fluid leaks, missing components, and obstructed static ports are all external factors that can significantly impact the aircraft’s safety and operational performance. Checking for fluid leaks ensures that there are no leaks from systems like fuel or hydraulic fluids, which could pose risks during flight. Missing components, such as access panels or control surface hinges, can compromise the integrity and function of the aircraft. Finally, ensuring that static ports are unobstructed is critical for accurate altimeter and airspeed readings, which rely on external atmospheric pressure. In contrast, checking cabin pressure is part of monitoring the internal environment of the aircraft and would typically be performed through systems designed to assess the air pressure inside the cabin, usually during pre-flight checks while the aircraft systems are powered up and monitored from the cockpit.