Aviation Mechanic | Comprehensive Exam Prep & Practice Questions | 2026-2027
A&P Airframe and Powerplant mechanic. Someone certified to work on aircraft structures
and engines.
AMT Aviation Maintenance Technician. Another name for aircraft mechanic.
General The basic knowledge section of the aviation mechanic tests. Covers tools, math,
regulations, drawings, electricity, safety, weight and balance, and related topics.
Airframe The aircraft structure, including fuselage, wings, landing gear, flight controls,
hydraulics, and sheet metal.
Powerplant The aircraft engine and related systems.
FAA Federal Aviation Administration. The U.S. agency that regulates aviation.
FSDO Flight Standards District Office. Local FAA office that handles certification and
aviation oversight.
DME Designated Mechanic Examiner. The person authorized to give the oral and
practical mechanic test.
ACS Airman Certification Standards. FAA standards that describe what applicants must
know and be able to do.
O&P Oral and Practical test. Hands-on and verbal testing after the written tests.
Knowledge Test The written or computer-based test.
Certificate The FAA mechanic certificate itself.
Rating The specific privilege added to the certificate, such as Airframe or Powerplant.
DI Designated Inspector. A person approved by a company or repair station to inspect
certain work.
IA Inspection Authorization. An A&P mechanic with extra FAA authorization to perform
annual inspections and approve major repairs or alterations.
, Aviation Mechanic | Comprehensive Exam Prep & Practice Questions | 2026-2027
Annual Inspection Required inspection every 12 calendar months for many aircraft.
100-Hour Inspection Required for certain aircraft used for hire or flight instruction.
Progressive Inspection An inspection program that breaks the aircraft inspection into smaller scheduled
phases.
Preflight Inspection Inspection done before flight, usually by the pilot.
Postflight Inspection Inspection after flight to check for issues.
Return to Service Approval that the aircraft or part is safe and legal to operate after maintenance.
Airworthy The aircraft meets its approved type design and is in safe condition to fly.
Unairworthy Not safe or legal to fly until corrected.
Squawk A reported problem or defect. Example: landing light inoperative.
Discrepancy A problem found during inspection.
Corrective Action What was done to fix a discrepancy.
Deferred Maintenance Maintenance that is delayed according to approved rules or procedures.
Logbook Entry Written record of maintenance performed.
Maintenance Record Official documentation showing inspections, repairs, and alterations.
AD Airworthiness Directive. FAA-required action to correct an unsafe condition.
A&P Airframe and Powerplant mechanic. Someone certified to work on aircraft structures
and engines.
AMT Aviation Maintenance Technician. Another name for aircraft mechanic.
General The basic knowledge section of the aviation mechanic tests. Covers tools, math,
regulations, drawings, electricity, safety, weight and balance, and related topics.
Airframe The aircraft structure, including fuselage, wings, landing gear, flight controls,
hydraulics, and sheet metal.
Powerplant The aircraft engine and related systems.
FAA Federal Aviation Administration. The U.S. agency that regulates aviation.
FSDO Flight Standards District Office. Local FAA office that handles certification and
aviation oversight.
DME Designated Mechanic Examiner. The person authorized to give the oral and
practical mechanic test.
ACS Airman Certification Standards. FAA standards that describe what applicants must
know and be able to do.
O&P Oral and Practical test. Hands-on and verbal testing after the written tests.
Knowledge Test The written or computer-based test.
Certificate The FAA mechanic certificate itself.
Rating The specific privilege added to the certificate, such as Airframe or Powerplant.
DI Designated Inspector. A person approved by a company or repair station to inspect
certain work.
IA Inspection Authorization. An A&P mechanic with extra FAA authorization to perform
annual inspections and approve major repairs or alterations.
, Aviation Mechanic | Comprehensive Exam Prep & Practice Questions | 2026-2027
Annual Inspection Required inspection every 12 calendar months for many aircraft.
100-Hour Inspection Required for certain aircraft used for hire or flight instruction.
Progressive Inspection An inspection program that breaks the aircraft inspection into smaller scheduled
phases.
Preflight Inspection Inspection done before flight, usually by the pilot.
Postflight Inspection Inspection after flight to check for issues.
Return to Service Approval that the aircraft or part is safe and legal to operate after maintenance.
Airworthy The aircraft meets its approved type design and is in safe condition to fly.
Unairworthy Not safe or legal to fly until corrected.
Squawk A reported problem or defect. Example: landing light inoperative.
Discrepancy A problem found during inspection.
Corrective Action What was done to fix a discrepancy.
Deferred Maintenance Maintenance that is delayed according to approved rules or procedures.
Logbook Entry Written record of maintenance performed.
Maintenance Record Official documentation showing inspections, repairs, and alterations.
AD Airworthiness Directive. FAA-required action to correct an unsafe condition.
