Which statement best describes Major Alteration?

• A. It is an alteration not listed in the aircraft specifications that might affect weight, balance, performance, or airworthiness; or is not done according to accepted practices
• B. It is a cosmetic repaint
• C. It is a routine maintenance task
• D. It is a minor adjustment that does not affect performance

Answer: (A)

A Major Alteration is any change to the aircraft that isn’t listed in the official design specifications (type design) or isn’t performed in accordance with accepted engineering or maintenance practices, and that could affect weight and balance, performance, or airworthiness. The option described matches this precisely: an alteration not listed in the aircraft specifications and that might affect weight, balance, performance, or airworthiness, or isn’t done per accepted practices. Cosmetic repaint, routine maintenance, and minor adjustments are not considered major alterations because they don’t inherently affect airworthiness or performance in the ways implied by a major alteration. If such a change does meet the criteria, FAA approval (field approval or other approved data) would be required.