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Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) — FAA Airman Knowledge Test

The Airframe written for your A&P — sheet metal and composites, flight controls, landing gear, hydraulics, electrical and avionics systems in one 100-question FAA test.

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Questions100 multiple-choice questions
Time2 hours — about 1 minute 12 seconds each
Passing70% — scored as percent correct
FormatThree answer choices (A, B, C), one best answer; some questions refer to figures in the FAA-CT-8080-4G testing supplement provided at the test center
WhereOn computer at a PSI test center — about $175 at PSI (confirm when you book); remote testing isn't offered
EligibilityPart 147 airframe curriculum completion document, FAA Form 8610-2 signed by an FAA inspector, or military Certificate of Eligibility — plus an FTN from IACRA
ValidityYour test report is good for 24 calendar months — pass the oral and practical test within that window

About the exam

The Aviation Mechanic Airframe test is the knowledge test for the Airframe rating on an FAA mechanic certificate — the "A" in A&P. It covers the aircraft structure and its systems: metallic and non-metallic structures, flight controls, airframe inspection, landing gear, hydraulic and pneumatic, environmental, instrument, communication and navigation, fuel, electrical, ice and rain, and fire protection systems, plus rotorcraft fundamentals and water and waste systems. You take it after the airframe portion of a Part 147 school, with documented airframe experience signed off by an FAA inspector, or with a military Certificate of Eligibility.

The test has 100 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours, each with three answer choices, and you need 70% to pass. It's taken on computer at a PSI test center — remote testing isn't offered — and you'll need an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) from IACRA plus your eligibility document. Some questions refer to figures in the FAA-CT-8080-4G testing supplement, such as bend-allowance and cable-tension charts, wire-size charts and system schematics, which the center provides. Your test report is valid for 24 calendar months, and all mechanic tests must be passed within that window.

Our practice covers all fifteen Airframe subject areas of the mechanic ACS with original questions mapped to the ACS knowledge elements, and a step-by-step worked solution for every calculation — bend allowance and setback, rivet edge distance and pitch, cable tension corrected for temperature, wire sizing and voltage drop, and oxygen and fire-bottle pressures. Add flashcards for components, valves and materials, worked case walkthroughs for sheet-metal repairs and system troubleshooting, illustrated guides to hydraulic, landing gear and pressurization systems, and timed practice tests at the real length with a score.

How we track your progress

Every blueprint domain moves through five levels as you study:

  1. Not startedNo questions answered in this domain yet.
  2. Getting startedFirst questions answered — not enough yet to judge.
  3. DevelopingAt least 5 answered and 50% or better on your recent questions.
  4. ProficientAt least 15 answered and 70% or better on your recent questions.
  5. Exam readyAt least 25 answered, 80% or better recently, and holding up on hard questions.

The exam blueprint

FAA-S-ACS-1 Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant ACS (November 2021; required for all mechanic testing since August 1, 2023) with the FAA-G-ACS-1 Companion Guide — Section II Airframe — Fifteen Airframe subject areas — structures, flight controls, landing gear, hydraulics, environmental, electrical, instruments and more. Domain weights are QuizMe estimates — the FAA does not publish them. Tap a domain to see its topics.

1 Metallic Structures about 10% (est.) of the exam
Inspecting and testing metal structures; sheet metal defectsSelecting repair materials and structure typesLayout and forming: bend allowance and setbackRivet selection, edge distance, pitch, installation and removalHeat treatment of aluminumSpecial fastenersGas welding: gases, storage and techniquesTIG/MIG welding and steel tube weld repairs

38 practice questions in this domain so far

2 Non-Metallic Structures about 10% (est.) of the exam
Wood species, defects, substitutes and moisture effectsWood repairs: scarf joints and gluesFabric covering systems, seams and rib lacingFabric strength testing and inspectionComposite fibers, cores and matrix materialsComposite defects, tap testing and repair (lay-up, vacuum bagging)Composite material storage and shelf lifeAcrylic windows and thermoplastics: care and repairSeats, restraints and upholstery inspection

38 practice questions in this domain so far

3 Flight Controls about 8% (est.) of the exam
Control cables, turnbuckles, guides and fairleadsCable tension and temperature correction chartsControl stops, push-pull tubes, torque tubes and bellcranksRigging and control surface travel checksControl surface balance and flutterPrimary, secondary and auxiliary controls: tabs, flaps, spoilersStabilizer systems and aerodynamic wing devices

30 practice questions in this domain so far

4 Airframe Inspection about 5% (est.) of the exam
100-hour, annual and progressive inspections (14 CFR 91)Inspection record entries (14 CFR 43)Airworthiness Directive complianceLife-limited partsSpecial inspections: hard landing, overweight, lightning strikeApproved data, service bulletins and ICA

19 practice questions in this domain so far

5 Landing Gear Systems about 8% (est.) of the exam
Fixed and retractable gear systems and componentsAir/oil shock strut servicingSpring steel and bungee gearNosewheel steering and shimmy dampersGear position and warning systemsBrake types, actuation and bleeding; anti-skidWheels and tires: construction, inspection and servicingSkis and floats

30 practice questions in this domain so far

6 Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems about 8% (est.) of the exam
Hydraulic fluids and identificationSeals, backup rings and fluid compatibilityPumps, reservoirs and accumulatorsSelector, check, relief, sequence and priority valvesPressure regulators, restrictors and filtersPneumatic systemsServicing, purging and troubleshooting

30 practice questions in this domain so far

7 Environmental Systems about 6% (est.) of the exam
Pressurization and outflow valvesBleed-air heat, exhaust heat exchangers and combustion heatersVapor-cycle air conditioning and refrigerant servicingAir-cycle machinesOxygen systems: gaseous, chemical generator and LOXOxygen servicing, purging and safety

23 practice questions in this domain so far

8 Aircraft Instrument Systems about 7% (est.) of the exam
Pitot-static systems and leak checks (14 CFR 91.411)Pressure and temperature instrumentsGyroscopic instruments and vacuum systemsMagnetic compass and compass swingingInstrument range markingsEFIS, EICAS and annunciatorsStall, angle-of-attack and configuration warnings

26 practice questions in this domain so far

9 Communication and Navigation Systems about 7% (est.) of the exam
Radio principles, antennas and static wicksVHF, HF and satellite communicationsEmergency locator transmittersVOR, DME, ILS and ADFGPS, ADS-B and transpondersTCAS, weather radar, GPWS and radio altimetersAutopilot and autothrottle systems

26 practice questions in this domain so far

10 Aircraft Fuel Systems about 6% (est.) of the exam
Gravity and pressure-feed fuel systemsStrainers, filters, selector valves and boost pumpsRigid, bladder and integral tanksCrossfeed, transfer, fueling, defueling and jettisonFuel types and quantity indicationFuel system inspection and maintenance

23 practice questions in this domain so far

11 Aircraft Electrical Systems about 10% (est.) of the exam
DC generators, alternators and power distributionAC systems: CSD/IDG and invertersVoltage regulation and over-voltage protectionWire sizing, selection and routing; voltage dropCircuit protection and switch deratingShielding, bonding and lightning protectionConnectors, splices, terminals and solderingLighting systems and battery troubleshooting

38 practice questions in this domain so far

12 Ice and Rain Control Systems about 4% (est.) of the exam
Icing causes and effects; ice detectionThermal and electrical anti-icePneumatic deice bootsWindshield heat, wipers and rain repellentInspecting and maintaining ice and rain systemsPropeller and pitot heat

20 practice questions in this domain so far

13 Airframe Fire Protection Systems about 5% (est.) of the exam
Fire classes and fire zonesThermal switch, thermocouple and continuous-loop detectionSmoke and carbon monoxide detectionExtinguishing agents: Halon and CO2Extinguishing systems, squibs and discharge indicatorsBottle pressure-temperature charts and maintenance

19 practice questions in this domain so far

14 Rotorcraft Fundamentals about 4% (est.) of the exam
Rotorcraft aerodynamicsCollective, cyclic and anti-torque controlsFully articulated, semi-rigid and rigid rotor systemsTransmissions and drive systemsBlade tracking, balancing and vibration analysisRotorcraft rigging and skid inspection

20 practice questions in this domain so far

15 Water and Waste Systems about 2% (est.) of the exam
Potable water system components and operationWater heaters and drain mastsLavatory waste system types and operationServicing potable water and waste systemsInspection and leak checksSanitation and disinfection precautions

20 practice questions in this domain so far

What you get when you access this exam

Free with your QuizMe account.

Questions built on the mechanic ACS

Every question is tagged to a Section II Airframe subject area of the mechanic ACS — three-choice questions written to current regulations, with charts and diagrams given as described figures and tables.

Hints that teach the principle

Reveal the rule, formula or regulation behind the question when you're stuck. Every answer comes with the full rationale and a step-by-step worked solution for every calculation.

Adaptive practice

Questions steer toward your weakest subject areas, weighted like our estimate of the real test, and get harder as you get stronger.

Timed practice tests

Area-weighted tests at the real length — 100 questions in 2 hours — with a pacing indicator, full review and an estimated score against the 70% pass mark.

Flashcards, walkthroughs and guides

Flashcards for components, valves, materials and regulations, worked case walkthroughs that reason through sheet-metal repairs and system troubleshooting step by step, and interactive illustrated guides you explore hotspot by hotspot.

Progress in every subject area

Each area moves from Not started to Exam ready, so you know exactly what to study next.

Test at home or at a center

The Aviation Mechanic — Airframe knowledge test is given on computer at PSI test centers. Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating a profile in IACRA, then schedule with PSI and bring your eligibility document on test day.

At a PSI test center

  • Schedule with PSI using your FTN; the fee is about $175 — confirm the current amount when you book.
  • Bring acceptable photo ID and one eligibility document: a Part 147 school completion document, an FAA Form 8610-2 signed by an FAA inspector, a military Certificate of Eligibility, or your failed test report for a retest.
  • The FAA-CT-8080-4G figures supplement is provided at the center — don't bring your own copy.
  • A basic electronic calculator the FAA allows is permitted; phones, notes and bags are stored away for the whole test.

No remote option

  • FAA airman knowledge tests are not offered as remote-proctored exams — every test is taken in person at a PSI center.
  • Book early if you're on a school or employer timeline; seat availability varies by location.
  • Your 24-month window starts from the month you pass, so plan the oral and practical test before you book.
  • Practice with our timed tests at home on the same length and time.

Exam-day game plan

How to walk in ready — and how to pace 100 questions in 2 hours.

Pacing checkpoints

Our timed test uses the real length and time — 100 questions in 2 hours. Figures that the real test shows from the FAA-CT-8080-4G testing supplement are reproduced as described text, tables or simple diagrams — not the official FAA charts.

25questions0:30
50questions1:00
75questions1:30
100questions2:00

The week before

  • Take one full-length timed practice test 4–7 days out, then review every missed ACS area.
  • Drill bend allowance, setback, rivet edge distance and pitch, and cable-tension corrections until they're quick.
  • Trace hydraulic, landing gear and fuel schematics and name each valve's job.
  • Confirm your PSI appointment, FTN, photo ID and eligibility document.

During the test

  • Pace at about 1 minute 12 seconds per question — aim for 25 done at 30 minutes and 50 at the hour.
  • Recall questions go fast; bank that time for chart and schematic questions.
  • For chart questions, find the right curve, read the units and interpolate carefully.
  • With three choices, eliminate the clearly wrong one first; mark hard questions and come back.
  • Answer every question — an unanswered question counts as wrong.

Keep your head

  • A few nerves sharpen focus. If you freeze, take three slow breaths and reread the question.
  • You need 70%, not perfection — on 100 questions you can miss up to 30 and still pass.
  • Missed topics show up as ACS codes on your report, and the examiner reviews them at your oral and practical — every miss is something to study, not the end of the road.

After you test

  • You get your Airman Knowledge Test Report at the test center; it shows your percent score and lists the ACS codes (like AM.I.A.K7) of the topics you missed.
  • The report is valid for 24 calendar months — all mechanic tests (knowledge, oral and practical) must be passed within that window. If you fail, you can retest after 30 days, or sooner with a signed statement of additional instruction from a certificated mechanic with the rating.
  • Next comes the Powerplant test if you're after both ratings, then the oral and practical test with a Designated Mechanic Examiner, who reviews the ACS codes you missed.

Official sources and further reading

Ready to start?

400 questions and scenarios across the blueprint — and growing.

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QuizMe is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA or PSI. All questions are original. Details are summarized from FAA sources (ACS, testing matrix, 14 CFR); rules and policies change — always confirm at faa.gov. Estimated scores are rough guides.