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Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP) — FAA Airman Knowledge Test

The Powerplant written for your A&P — reciprocating and turbine engines, fuel metering, ignition, lubrication and propellers 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 powerplant 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 Powerplant test is the knowledge test for the Powerplant rating on an FAA mechanic certificate — the "P" in A&P. It covers engines and everything attached to them: reciprocating and turbine engines, engine inspection, instruments, fire protection, electrical systems, lubrication, ignition and starting, fuel and fuel metering, induction and cooling, turbine air systems, exhaust and thrust reversers, and propellers. You take it after the powerplant portion of a Part 147 school, with documented powerplant 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 carburetor and oil system schematics, valve and magneto timing diagrams and wire-size charts, 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 thirteen Powerplant 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 — displacement and compression ratio, brake and indicated horsepower, valve overlap and duration, starter-circuit wire sizing and fire-bottle pressures. Add flashcards for engine components and limits, worked case walkthroughs for engine troubleshooting and governor operation, illustrated guides to the Otto and Brayton cycles, carburetors and constant-speed propellers, 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 III Powerplant — Thirteen Powerplant subject areas — reciprocating and turbine engines, fuel metering, ignition, lubrication, propellers and more. Domain weights are QuizMe estimates — the FAA does not publish them. Tap a domain to see its topics.

1 Reciprocating Engines about 12% (est.) of the exam
Opposed, radial and inline engine typesFour-stroke cycle and valve timingCombustion, detonation and preignitionCrankcase, crankshaft, cylinders, pistons, rings and valvesBearings, firing order and cylinder numberingPerformance: BHP, IHP, BMEP and volumetric efficiencyDisplacement and compression ratioGround operation, storage and preservationDiesel engine principles

47 practice questions in this domain so far

2 Turbine Engines about 12% (est.) of the exam
Brayton cycle and operating principlesTurbojet, turbofan, turboprop and turboshaft enginesAxial and centrifugal compressors; stall and surgeCombustors and turbine sectionsBleed air systemsPerformance: EPR, N1/N2, EGT and trend monitoringTroubleshooting performance loss and engine trimAPUs, storage and preservation

47 practice questions in this domain so far

3 Engine Inspection about 6% (est.) of the exam
Engine inspection requirements (14 CFR 43 and 91)Life-limited parts and cycle countingSpecial inspections: sudden stoppage, overspeed, overtempType Certificate Data Sheets, ADs and service bulletinsDifferential compression checksEngine mounts and maintenance records

24 practice questions in this domain so far

4 Engine Instrument Systems about 6% (est.) of the exam
Fuel flow, fuel pressure and oil pressure indicationCHT, EGT and oil temperature; thermocouplesTachometers and manifold pressureEPR and torquemetersEICAS/ECAM and annunciatorsInstrument range markings

24 practice questions in this domain so far

5 Engine Fire Protection Systems about 5% (est.) of the exam
Fire types and engine fire zonesThermal switch, thermocouple and continuous-loop detectorsFlame detectors and detection system testsExtinguishing agents and systems; squibs and blowout discsBottle pressure-temperature charts and hydrostatic testsInspection and maintenance

20 practice questions in this domain so far

6 Engine Electrical Systems about 6% (est.) of the exam
Generators, alternators and starter-generatorsVoltage regulators and overcurrent protectionDC and AC generating systems; CSD/IDGParalleling dual generatorsWire and cable sizing for engine circuitsWiring, switches and protective devices

24 practice questions in this domain so far

7 Engine Lubrication Systems about 7% (est.) of the exam
Oil types and grades: straight mineral vs. ashless dispersantWet-sump and dry-sump systemsPumps, coolers, pressure relief and bypass valvesFilters, screens and chip detectorsSpectrometric oil analysisCauses of high oil consumption and pressure problemsTurbine engine lubrication

28 practice questions in this domain so far

8 Ignition and Starting Systems about 9% (est.) of the exam
Magneto theory, E-gap and breaker pointsImpulse couplings and shower-of-sparks systemsTiming a magneto internally and to the engineSpark plugs: heat range, gap and rotationIgnition harness inspection and testingElectronic and turbine (capacitor-discharge) ignitionDirect-cranking starters and starter-generatorsAir turbine starters

36 practice questions in this domain so far

9 Engine Fuel and Fuel Metering Systems about 10% (est.) of the exam
Fuel/air ratio and mixture controlFloat carburetor systems: main, idle, accelerating, economizerPressure carburetorsContinuous-flow fuel injectionTurbine fuel controls: hydromechanical FCU and FADECFuel nozzles, manifolds, pumps, filters and heatersCarburetor icingIdle speed and mixture adjustment

39 practice questions in this domain so far

10 Induction and Cooling Systems about 6% (est.) of the exam
Induction systems and alternate airCarburetor heat and induction icingSuperchargers and turbochargers; wastegates and controllersIntercoolersCooling fins, baffles, seals and cowl flapsCooling system inspection

24 practice questions in this domain so far

11 Turbine Engine Air Systems about 4% (est.) of the exam
Engine inlets: subsonic ducts and bellmouthsInlet anti-iceCompressor bleed and variable stator vanesEngine cooling and sealing airInlet particle separatorsInspection of turbine air systems

20 practice questions in this domain so far

12 Engine Exhaust and Reverser Systems about 5% (est.) of the exam
Reciprocating exhaust systems: cracks, leaks and CO hazardsExhaust heat exchangers and augmentorsTurbine exhaust nozzles and tailconesCascade and clamshell thrust reversersNoise suppressionExhaust and reverser inspection and repair

20 practice questions in this domain so far

13 Propellers about 12% (est.) of the exam
Propeller theory: blade angle, pitch, angle of attack and forcesFixed-pitch, ground-adjustable and controllable propellersConstant-speed propellers and governorsOn-speed, overspeed and underspeed conditionsFeathering, reversing and beta rangeSynchronizing and propeller ice controlInspection, damage limits and blending repairsTracking and static/dynamic balancingInstallation, torque, safetying and records

47 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 III Powerplant 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 engine components, limits and regulations, worked case walkthroughs that reason through engine troubleshooting and governor operation 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 — Powerplant 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 displacement, compression ratio and horsepower formulas, and valve timing diagrams.
  • Trace carburetor, fuel injection, oil and governor schematics and explain each component'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 timing diagrams, schematics and charts.
  • For troubleshooting questions, match the symptom to the system first, then pick the cause.
  • 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 Airframe 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.