FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

What should be done if metallic particles are found in the oil filter during an inspection?

1. Ignore it if it's within limits

2. Replace the oil filter only

3. Identify and correct the cause before flight

4. Perform a complete engine overhaul

The correct answer is: Identify and correct the cause before flight

Finding metallic particles in the oil filter during an inspection is a crucial indicator that something may be wrong within the engine. This situation warrants immediate and thorough attention. Identifying and correcting the underlying cause before flight is essential to ensure the safety and reliability of the engine’s operation. Metallic particles can indicate wear or damage to critical engine components, such as bearings or gears. Ignoring these particles or merely replacing the oil filter does not address the potential problem, which could lead to engine malfunction or failure during operation. A complete engine overhaul may be unnecessarily extreme unless a serious issue is confirmed. Therefore, the best course of action is to investigate and rectify the root cause of the metallic particles to maintain safe operation.