← All explained questions · Supplemental · II — Preflight Procedures
If you notice a fluid drip from the cowl after engine shutdown, you should
Choices
ignore it — minor drips are normal.
No drip is 'normal' on a healthy airplane.
✓ investigate immediately.correct
Identify whether it's fuel (blue, smells like 100LL), oil (brown/black), brake fluid (red), or coolant (only if liquid-cooled). Document and notify maintenance; do not fly until determined safe. Any unexplained fluid drip is a potential airworthiness issue. Identify by color/smell: 100LL = blue and gas-like, oil = brown/dark, brake fluid = red and oily-thin, hydraulic fluid = red. Document with photo, write up squawk, notify mechanic. Don't fly until cleared. Could be a loose drain, cracked line, or seal failure — all of which can escalate.
wipe it up and depart.
Wiping doesn't fix the cause.
add more of whatever is leaking.
Refilling masks the leak and is unsafe.
Why
Identify whether it's fuel (blue, smells like 100LL), oil (brown/black), brake fluid (red), or coolant (only if liquid-cooled). Document and notify maintenance; do not fly until determined safe. Any unexplained fluid drip is a potential airworthiness issue. Identify by color/smell: 100LL = blue and gas-like, oil = brown/dark, brake fluid = red and oily-thin, hydraulic fluid = red. Document with photo, write up squawk, notify mechanic. Don't fly until cleared. Could be a loose drain, cracked line, or seal failure — all of which can escalate.
FAA source: FAA-H-8083-3C, AFH Ch. 2, postflight inspection / securing aircraftbrowse the reference library →
Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.