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The real Aviation Mechanic - Airframe written test has 100 multiple-choice questions (3 options each), a 2-hour time limit, and requires 70% to pass. Questions are drawn across 15 knowledge areas per the FAA-S-ACS-1 blueprint; this bank mirrors those areas and weights.
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The live test bank is not published. Our questions include the FAA's own published sample questions plus original questions written to the ACS blueprint and grounded in the FAA handbooks (FAA-H-8083-30B/31B/32B) and 14 CFR, with the source cited in each explanation.
The full Aviation Mechanic - Airframe bank contains 548 questions with explanations. The free sample gives you roughly two exams' worth per knowledge area.
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A selection of free questions with answers and explanations. Use the interactive modules above for timed, scored drills.
A magnetic compass is 'swung' on what, and a deviation card is completed for what purpose?
Why: The compass is swung on a compass rose (away from magnetic interference); after compensating, a deviation (correction) card is filled out showing the residual deviation on each heading. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.10.
Where is the main fuel strainer (gascolator) typically located, and what feature does it include?
Why: The main fuel strainer/gascolator is located downstream of the selector valve, usually at a low point, and includes a sediment bowl and drain so water and sediment can be removed from the sump. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.14.
On an aircraft instrument, what does a red radial line indicate?
Why: A red radial line marks a limit not to be exceeded (maximum or minimum), such as never-exceed speed; the green arc is the normal range and the yellow arc is the caution/precautionary range. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.10.
A key part of anti-ice/de-ice system maintenance for a thermal (bleed air) system is checking what?
Why: Thermal anti-ice maintenance includes inspecting the bleed air ducts and control valves for leaks and proper operation; a leak or a stuck valve can overheat structure or leave a surface unprotected. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.15.
How is the correct fluid level/charge of an oleo shock strut usually verified?
Why: Correct servicing of an oleo strut is verified by measuring the exposed piston (strut extension) against the manufacturer's specified dimension for the aircraft's loaded condition. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.13.
Which are common defects found in composite laminates?
Why: Common composite defects include delamination, disbond, resin starvation, resin richness, wrinkles, ply bridging, and impact damage. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.7.
Which seal material is compatible with petroleum-based (MIL-H-5606) hydraulic fluid?
Why: Petroleum-based fluids use synthetic rubber seals (Buna-N/nitrile or neoprene). These are NOT compatible with phosphate ester fluids, which require butyl or ethylene-propylene seals. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.12.
Which reinforcing fiber is white, does not conduct electricity, and is commonly used for radomes and secondary structure?
Why: Fiberglass is white, is a good electrical insulator (does not conduct electricity — E-glass is used for electrical applications), is lower cost, and is used for radomes, fairings, and secondary structure. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.7.
A traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) works by doing what?
Why: TCAS interrogates the transponders of nearby aircraft (using Mode S/Mode C replies) to compute their range and altitude, issuing traffic advisories (TA) and resolution advisories (RA) to avoid collisions. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.11.
A spot-type (thermal switch) detector differs from a continuous-loop detector in that it senses temperature where?
Why: Spot-type thermal switch detectors sense overheat only at the discrete locations where each switch is installed, whereas a continuous-loop element senses along its whole length. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.17.
Which are examples of alternative (non-wheel) landing gear?
Why: Alternative landing gear includes skis (for operation on snow and ice) and floats (for water operations), in place of or in addition to wheels. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.13.
What are the three basic classifications of helicopter main rotor systems?
Why: Helicopter main rotor systems are classified as fully articulated (blades hinge to flap, lead/lag, and feather), semi-rigid (usually two blades that teeter/flap as a unit), and rigid (blades flex rather than hinge). FAA-H-8083-31B ch.2.
Oxyacetylene welding equipment supplies the flame from which two gases?
Why: Oxyacetylene welding uses two cylinders — oxygen and acetylene — each with its own regulator, feeding the torch. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.5.
When a permissible wood substitute is used in place of spruce, what must be verified from the substitution reference?
Why: A permissible substitute must meet or exceed spruce (the 100 percent standard) for the strength property that matters in that application, and still satisfy the 1:15 grain-slope limit. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.6.
On an airspeed indicator, what does the white arc represent?
Why: The white arc is the flap operating range; its lower limit is the flaps-extended stall speed and its upper limit is the maximum flap-extension speed. The green arc is the normal operating range. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.10.
What is an aircraft 'fire zone'?
Why: A fire zone is a designated area or region of the aircraft that requires fire detection and/or fire extinguishing equipment because of its fire potential (e.g., engine sections). FAA-H-8083-31B ch.17.
A fire extinguisher bottle's electrically fired cartridge (squib) is typically life-limited and marked with what?
Why: The explosive cartridge (squib) that ruptures the fire bottle disk has a limited service life and carries a replacement date; it must be replaced by that date to ensure reliable discharge. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.17.
What maintains normal windshield temperature control in an electrically heated windshield system?
Why: Thermistors sense and maintain normal windshield temperature in an electrically heated windshield system (overheat switches are the backup limit). FAA-H-8083-31B ch.15.
What does the cyclic pitch control do?
Why: The cyclic pitch control changes blade pitch cyclically as each blade rotates, tilting the tip-path plane in the desired direction so the lift-thrust vector moves the helicopter horizontally. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.2.
What is the function of a hydraulic system pressure relief valve?
Why: A pressure relief valve protects the system from overpressure by opening at a set value to relieve excess fluid back to the reservoir; it is a safety backup, not the normal pressure control. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.12.
Intergranular corrosion is an attack along the grain boundaries of a metal and is especially a concern in which materials?
Why: Intergranular corrosion attacks along grain boundaries and is especially a concern in improperly heat-treated high-strength aluminum alloys such as 2014 and 7075. FAA-H-8083-30B ch.8.
A key inspection for aircraft fabric covering is a test of what property, which decreases as the fabric ages?
Why: Fabric covering is inspected for deterioration primarily by testing its remaining tensile strength (e.g., an approved punch test); strength falls with age, sun, and heat exposure. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.3.
How should a coaxial cable be routed?
Why: Coaxial cable should be routed as directly as possible (short runs, minimizing loss/interference). FAA-H-8083-31B ch.9.
Cabin differential pressure is defined as what?
Why: Cabin differential pressure equals cabin pressure minus ambient (outside) pressure; it ranges from about 3.5 psi on a single-engine recip to about 9 psi on high-performance jets. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.16.
A magnetic chip detector in a helicopter transmission is used to do what?
Why: A magnetic chip detector attracts ferrous particles carried in the transmission/gearbox oil; accumulating chips (or an electrical chip warning) indicate internal wear and prompt further inspection. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.2.
Airborne weather radar detects what ahead of the aircraft?
Why: Weather radar transmits a directional beam ahead of the aircraft and displays the reflected returns from precipitation, letting the crew locate and avoid thunderstorm cells and areas of heavy rain. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.11.
When a Service Bulletin is incorporated by reference into an Airworthiness Directive, what is its status?
Why: When all or part of a Service Bulletin is incorporated into an AD, compliance with that content becomes mandatory because the AD itself is mandatory. 14 CFR 39.13.
What are the two common methods of applying fabric covering to an airframe?
Why: Fabric is applied either by the blanket method (fabric wrapped and seamed in place) or the envelope method (a pre-sewn envelope slipped over the structure). FAA-H-8083-31B ch.3.
How does an open-center hydraulic system differ from a closed-center system?
Why: In an open-center system fluid circulates freely back to the reservoir with no pressure until a selector valve is actuated (valves in series); a closed-center system keeps pressure available continuously (valves in parallel). FAA-H-8083-31B ch.12.
On a multi-engine aircraft, what does a fuel crossfeed system allow?
Why: A crossfeed system lets fuel from a tank on one side supply an engine on the opposite side, used to correct a lateral fuel imbalance or to use fuel from a tank whose engine has been shut down. FAA-H-8083-31B ch.14.