Non-Metallic Structures Oral Exam Questions and Answers
These non-metallic structures oral exam questions and answers follow Airframe ACS subject AM.II.B. For the O&P, connect the material, the defect, and the inspection or handling method.
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What should my answer explain?
Our study tip: Follow each material from its load-carrying role to the defects and handling conditions that affect it. Connect the inspection method with the kind of damage it can reveal.
FAA-S-ACS-1, p. 21 · AM.II.B: Non-Metallic Structures
Which ACS elements do these questions practice?
The table maps each study prompt to its knowledge element. It is not a prediction of assigned test questions.
| ACS element | Study focus |
|---|---|
| AM.II.B.K1 | Wood structures, including inspection techniques, tools, and practices for wood structures. |
| AM.II.B.K5 | Acceptable and unacceptable wood defects. |
| AM.II.B.K6 | Wood repair techniques and practices. |
| AM.II.B.K11 | Structure surface preparation. |
| AM.II.B.K13 | Covering means of attachment. |
| AM.II.B.K20 | Composite structure fiber, core, and matrix materials. |
| AM.II.B.K19 | Types of composite structure defects. |
| AM.II.B.K18 | Inspection/testing of composite structures. |
| AM.II.B.K21 | Composite materials storage practices and shelf life. |
| AM.II.B.K26 | Care and maintenance of windows. |
Which oral exam questions can I practice?
These practice questions are built from ACS elements; they are not actual FAA test questions.
1. Why must a wooden aircraft structure be dry before you inspect its glue joints?
ACS: AM.II.B.K1
The aircraft must be dry for a proper inspection, so it should be placed in a dry, well-ventilated hangar with all inspection covers, access panels, and removable fairings opened and removed. Wet or damp wood swells and makes the condition of the glue joints difficult to judge. If there is doubt that the wood is dry, a moisture meter should be used to verify its moisture content. The ideal range is 8 to 12 percent; any reading over 20 percent provides an environment for fungus to grow in the wood.
FAA-H-8083-31B, Airframe, p. 6-2
2. What does a compression failure in wood look like, and how can you reveal it?
ACS: AM.II.B.K5
A compression failure is indicated by rupture across the wood fibers. A flashlight beam along the member, parallel to the grain, helps reveal minute ridges or lines across the grain. A compression failure is a serious defect that can be difficult to detect. Pay particular attention to any wooden member that has been subjected to abnormal bending or compression loads during a hard landing.
FAA-H-8083-31B, Airframe, p. 6-6
3. What is the difference between open and closed assembly time when gluing wood?
ACS: AM.II.B.K6
Open assembly time is the period of time between the application of the adhesive and the assembly of the joint components. Closed assembly time is the time elapsing between the assembly of the joints and the application of pressure.
FAA-H-8083-31B, Airframe, p. 6-10
4. What is anti-chafe tape for, and how is reinforcing tape different?
ACS: AM.II.B.K11
Anti-chafe tape smooths areas such as sharp protrusions, rib caps, and metal seams to keep the fabric from tearing. It is usually self-adhesive cloth tape, applied after the aircraft is cleaned, inspected, and primed but before the fabric is installed. Reinforcing tape is most commonly applied over rib caps after covering, to protect and strengthen the fabric attachment area.
FAA-H-8083-31B, Airframe, p. 3-4
5. Why is the choice and installation of rib lacing cord important?
ACS: AM.II.B.K13
Rib lacing cord must be strong and applied as directed to transfer in-flight loads safely from the fabric to the ribs. Round cord is easier to use; properly installed flat lacing produces a smoother finish over the ribs. Besides rib lacing, some aircraft use special clips, screws, or rivets; the original manufacturer’s method of fastening should be used.
FAA-H-8083-31B, Airframe, p. 3-5
6. What jobs do the fibers and matrix perform in a composite?
ACS: AM.II.B.K20
A fiber is the primary load carrying element of the composite material. The matrix supports and bonds the fibers, transfers applied loads to them, and keeps their position and chosen orientation. The matrix also gives the composite environmental resistance and determines its maximum service temperature.
FAA-H-8083-31B, Airframe, p. 7-1
7. Where does delamination occur, and how can a debond begin?
ACS: AM.II.B.K19
Delaminations form on the interface between the layers in the laminate. They may form from matrix cracks that grow into the interlaminar layer or from low-energy impact. Debonds can start from production nonadhesion along the bondline between two elements and can initiate delamination in adjacent layers. Under certain conditions, delaminations or debonds can grow under repeated loading and can cause catastrophic failure when the laminate is loaded in compression.
FAA-H-8083-31B, Airframe, p. 7-13
8. How does through-transmission ultrasonic inspection identify a suspect composite area?
ACS: AM.II.B.K18
One transducer transmits from one side of the part and another receives on the opposite side. The instrument measures signal loss and compares it with a reference standard; a greater loss than the reference indicates a defective area.
FAA-H-8083-31B, Airframe, p. 7-16
9. What do storage life, mechanical life, and handling life mean for uncured prepreg?
ACS: AM.II.B.K21
Storage life is the maximum time allowed for storing a prepreg at low temperature, typically 6 months to a year. Mechanical life is the maximum time allowed at room temperature before the material cures; it is measured from the time the material is removed from the freezer until it is returned to the freezer. Handling life is the recommended time at room temperature to complete layup and compaction, and it is shorter than the mechanical life.
FAA-H-8083-31B, Airframe, p. 7-26
10. How would you clean an acrylic aircraft window without scratching it?
ACS: AM.II.B.K26
Wash it with plenty of water and mild soap, using a clean, soft, grit-free cloth, sponge, or bare hands. Plastic lacks the surface hardness of glass, so care is needed to avoid scratches or other surface damage. Do not use products such as gasoline, alcohol, acetone, lacquer thinner, deicing fluid, or window-cleaning sprays; they soften the plastic and cause crazing. The plastic should not be rubbed with a dry cloth, which is likely to scratch it and build up an electrostatic charge that attracts dust.
FAA-H-8083-31B, Airframe, p. 7-56 · FAA-H-8083-31B, Airframe, p. 7-57
How do I rehearse the answer out loud?
Read the question, put the answer aside, and give a connected explanation. Then compare your answer with the cited FAA page and repeat the prompt. This is our study routine, not an FAA scoring rule.
For actual maintenance, use the applicable manufacturer’s instructions and aircraft-specific data. These short study answers are not complete maintenance procedures.
What else should I know?
Should a frozen prepreg bag be opened before the material thaws?
No. Keep the moisture-proof bag closed until the material is completely thawed so moisture does not contaminate the prepreg.
FAA-H-8083-31B, Airframe, p. 7-26
Does mixed adhesive remain usable indefinitely?
No. Adhesive pot life ends when the mixture no longer performs to its specifications; once that period expires, the adhesive must not be used. Pot life is a product of time and temperature; the cooler the mix is kept within the recommended temperature range, the longer it is usable.
FAA-H-8083-31B, Airframe, p. 6-10
Why do carbon-fiber parts need attention where they meet metal?
Because carbon fibers have a high potential for causing galvanic corrosion when used with metallic fasteners and structures.
FAA-H-8083-31B, Airframe, p. 7-5
Is co-curing the same as secondary bonding?
No. Co-curing cures two parts simultaneously, while secondary bonding uses adhesive to join two parts that have already been cured.
How can I rehearse the spoken answer?
DMEReady is an AI voice examiner for the A&P oral in your phone or computer browser. You answer out loud, and it asks follow-up questions the way a DME would. You can also rehearse an oral built from the ACS codes on your Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR). After each session, the report shows what you covered, what you missed, what a complete answer includes, and where to read in the FAA handbooks. You can save it as a PDF study sheet and share a result image that never shows your answers or name. The first drill is free, with no sign-up. DMEReady is an AI examiner, not a human DME. It is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA; it does not predict or guarantee results.
Start your free drillWhich guide should I read next?
- Sheet Metal Structures Oral Exam Questions and Answers
- Airframe Oral Exam Questions: What a DME Asks
- Aircraft Instrument Systems Oral Exam Questions and Answers
Which sources support these answers?
Sources were checked on October 18, 2026. Citations show the printed page; links target the corresponding PDF page.
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