ATPL Mass And Balance Practice Test

A key feature of fail-safe design in civil airliners is the implementation of crack-arrest features. This principle is crucial in maintaining the structural integrity of an aircraft. Fail-safe design involves engineering components in such a way that even if a failure occurs, the structure will continue to function safely. Crack-arrest features are specifically designed to prevent the propagation of cracks in critical structural components, thereby reducing the risk of catastrophic failure.

By incorporating these features, manufacturers ensure that if a small crack develops, the design will limit its growth, allowing for safe operation until repairs can be made. This contributes significantly to the overall safety of the aircraft and reassures both airlines and passengers regarding the resilience of the aircraft's structure during operation.

In contrast, while increased passenger capacity, automated flight control systems, and lighter materials can enhance performance and efficiency, they do not specifically address the concept of fail-safe design. Each of these options plays a role in the overall performance and operation of an aircraft, but they do not directly relate to the safety mechanisms engineered to prevent failure during flight.