Studying for the A&P written? Explain it out loud
Updated October 25, 2026 · one practice question per ACS subject, built from public FAA sources
The written test gives you answer choices. The oral does not: the examiner asks, and you explain. Pick the subject you studied today, read the question, and answer it out loud before you look anything up. If you can explain it in your own words, you know it. If you stall, you have found what to review.
How to use this page
- Open the section you are studying and pick a subject.
- Say your answer out loud, in full sentences, as if an examiner were sitting across from you.
- Check yourself against the FAA source listed under the question.
Or press "Answer it out loud": DMEReady's AI examiner listens, asks follow-up questions like a designated mechanic examiner (DME) would, and gives you a report tied to FAA handbook pages. The first drill is free, with no account.
General · 12 subjects
AM.I.A.K17 · Circuit continuity
Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics
“Walk me through doing a continuity check.”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-30B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, General), chapter 12, pages 12-81, 12-82
Answer it out loud, freeAM.I.B.K1 · Drawings, blueprints, sketches, charts, graphs, and system…
Aircraft Drawings
“How would you describe a nomogram to a new mechanic?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-30B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, General), chapter 4, page 4-23
Answer it out loud, freeAM.I.C.K8 · Determine proper empty weight configuration
Weight and Balance
“What does the empty weight of an aircraft include?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-30B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, General), chapter 6, pages 6-3, 6-4
Answer it out loud, freeAM.I.D.K2 · Rigid line or flexible hose material identification
Fluid Lines and Fittings
“How are fluid lines identified on an aircraft?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-30B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, General), chapter 9, page 9-7
Answer it out loud, freeAM.I.E.K2 · Heat treatment and metal working processes
Aircraft Materials, Hardware, and Processes
“Walk me through tempering steel.”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-30B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, General), chapter 7, pages 7-18, 7-19
Answer it out loud, freeAM.I.F.K7 · Aircraft oil, hydraulic and pneumatic, and deicing…
Ground Operations and Servicing
“How do you service an aircraft engine oil system?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-30B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, General), chapter 1, pages 1-20, 1-21, 1-22
Answer it out loud, freeAM.I.G.K19 · Effects of improper surface preparation on finishing…
Cleaning and Corrosion Control
“What does correcting poor adhesion require?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-31B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Airframe), chapter 8, page 8-12
Answer it out loud, freeAM.I.H.K12 · Use of positive and negative integers in mathematical…
Mathematics
“What does the handbook mean by signed numbers?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-30B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, General), chapter 3, page 3-11
Answer it out loud, freeAM.I.I.K17 · FAA-approved airworthiness limitations
Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
“Why does the FAA issue an Airworthiness Directive?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-30B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, General), chapter 2, pages 2-26, 2-27
Answer it out loud, freeAM.I.J.K7 · Gas law and fluid mechanics
Physics for Aviation
“What does Boyle's law tell you about a gas?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-30B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, General), chapter 5, pages 5-23, 5-24, 5-25
Answer it out loud, freeAM.I.K.K3 · Nondestructive Testing (NDT) procedures and methods
Inspection Concepts and Techniques
“How do you set up an ultrasonic inspection on an aircraft part?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-30B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, General), chapter 10, pages 10-21, 10-22, 10-23, 10-24, 10-25, 10-26
Answer it out loud, freeAM.I.L.K1 · Safety culture and organizational factors
Human Factors
“What are norms in a maintenance organization?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-30B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, General), chapter 14, pages 14-26, 14-27, 14-28, 14-29, 14-30, 14-31, 14-32
Answer it out loud, freeAirframe · 15 subjects
AM.II.A.K14 · Purpose and types of shielding gases
Metallic Structures
“What are argon and helium used for in welding?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-31B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Airframe), chapter 5, pages 5-4, 5-5, 5-6
Answer it out loud, freeAM.II.B.K9 · Seams commonly used with aircraft covering
Non-Metallic Structures
“What are the primary concerns for fabric seams?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-31B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Airframe), chapter 3, pages 3-14, 3-15, 3-16, 3-17
Answer it out loud, freeAM.II.C.K7 · Torque tubes
Flight Controls
“What job in a control system calls for a torque tube?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-31B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Airframe), chapter 2, pages 2-46, 2-39, 2-13, 2-14
Answer it out loud, freeAM.II.D.K1 · Inspection requirements under 14 CFR part 91
Airframe Inspection
“When is a 100-hour inspection required on an aircraft?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-31B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Airframe), chapter 2, pages 2-59, 2-60, 2-61
Answer it out loud, freeAM.II.E.K7 · Brake assembly servicing and inspection
Landing Gear Systems
“How may brake systems with master cylinders be bled?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-31B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Airframe), chapter 13, pages 13-67, 13-68, 13-69
Answer it out loud, freeAM.II.F.K8 · Types of hydraulic/pneumatic seals and fluid/seal…
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems
“What are seals used for in an aircraft system?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-30B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, General), chapter 7, pages 7-33, 7-34, 7-35
Answer it out loud, freeAM.II.G.K3 · Aircraft instrument cooling
Environmental Systems
“How do we keep installed avionics equipment cool on an aircraft?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-31B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Airframe), chapter 11, pages 11-71, 11-72
Answer it out loud, freeAM.II.H.K13 · Electronic displays
Aircraft Instrument Systems
“What does the term "glass flight deck" refer to?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-31B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Airframe), chapter 10, pages 10-67, 10-68, 10-84
Answer it out loud, freeAM.II.I.K15 · Ground proximity warning system (GPWS) theory, components,…
Communication and Navigation Systems
“What unsafe conditions does the GPWS detect?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-15B, chapter 5, page 5-34
Answer it out loud, freeAM.II.J.K4 · Fuel flow
Aircraft Fuel Systems
“What does a fuel flow meter tell the pilot?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-31B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Airframe), chapter 14, pages 14-39, 14-40, 14-41, 14-42, 14-43
Answer it out loud, freeAM.II.K.K6 · Inverter systems
Aircraft Electrical Systems
“How is AC supplied on a light aircraft?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-31B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Airframe), chapter 9, pages 9-53, 9-54, 9-55
Answer it out loud, freeAM.II.L.K1 · Aircraft icing causes/effects
Ice and Rain Control Systems
“In flight, how does clear ice differ from rime ice?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-31B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Airframe), chapter 15, pages 15-1, 15-2, 15-3
Answer it out loud, freeAM.II.M.K4 · Smoke and carbon monoxide detection systems
Airframe Fire Protection Systems
“How do the common smoke detector types detect smoke?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-31B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Airframe), chapter 17, page 17-8
Answer it out loud, freeAM.II.N.K8 · Rotor vibrations, track, and balance
Rotorcraft Fundamentals
“What is the purpose of tracking the rotor blades?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-31B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Airframe), chapter 2, pages 2-30, 2-31, 2-32
Answer it out loud, freeAM.II.O.K2 · Lavatory waste system components and operation
Water and Waste Systems
“How does a closed lavatory waste water system differ from an open system?”
Study source: FAA Advisory Circular AC 25.1455-1, chapter n/a — single advisory circular excerpt, page 1
Answer it out loud, freePowerplant · 13 subjects
AM.III.A.K1 · Types of reciprocating engines
Reciprocating Engines
“How may reciprocating aircraft engines be classified?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-32B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Powerplant), chapter 1, pages 1-3, 1-4
Answer it out loud, freeAM.III.B.K11 · Turbine engine adjustment and testing
Turbine Engines
“What field repairs are permitted on a turbine engine fuel control?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-32B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Powerplant), chapter 2, pages 2-40, 2-41
Answer it out loud, freeAM.III.C.K8 · Engine mounts, mounting hardware, and the inspection and…
Engine Inspection
“What do the engine mounts on most turbofan engines do?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-32B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Powerplant), chapter 8, page 8-17
Answer it out loud, freeAM.III.D.K10 · Electronic centralized aircraft monitor (ECAM)
Engine Instrument Systems
“Walk me through the basic modes of the ECAM system.”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-31B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Airframe), chapter 10, pages 10-68, 10-69, 10-70
Answer it out loud, freeAM.III.E.K2 · Fire detection warning system operation
Engine Fire Protection Systems
“How does a thermocouple fire detection system sense a fire?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-31B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Airframe), chapter 17, pages 17-2, 17-3
Answer it out loud, freeAM.III.F.K1 · Generators
Engine Electrical Systems
“You are replacing a DC generator — what do its ratings tell you?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-32B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Powerplant), chapter 4, page 4-13
Answer it out loud, freeAM.III.G.K7 · Excessive aircraft engine oil consumption
Engine Lubrication Systems
“What is the job of the oil control rings on a piston?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-32B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Powerplant), chapter 1, pages 1-13, 1-14
Answer it out loud, freeAM.III.H.K2 · Spark plug theory
Ignition and Starting Systems
“What does the heat range of a spark plug tell you?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-32B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Powerplant), chapter 4, pages 4-24, 4-25
Answer it out loud, freeAM.III.I.K5 · Digital engine control module (e.g., FADEC)
Engine Fuel and Fuel Metering Systems
“How does a true FADEC system control fuel flow?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-32B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Powerplant), chapter 2, pages 2-36, 2-37, 2-38, 2-39
Answer it out loud, freeAM.III.J.K9 · Reciprocating engine baffle and seal installation
Reciprocating Engine Induction and Cooling Systems
“What does the engine air seal on the cowl panel do?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-32B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Powerplant), chapter 6, pages 6-34, 6-35, 6-36
Answer it out loud, freeAM.III.K.K8 · Turbine engine anti-ice system
Turbine Engine Air Systems
“Why must icing protection be provided on a turbofan engine inlet?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-32B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Powerplant), chapter 1 and 3, pages 1-37, 3-19
Answer it out loud, freeAM.III.L.K2 · Turbine engine exhaust system theory, components,…
Engine Exhaust and Reverser Systems
“What does it mean when a turbine engine's exhaust nozzle is choked?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-32B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Powerplant), chapter 3 and 10, pages 3-26, 10-54
Answer it out loud, freeAM.III.M.K6 · Propeller servicing, maintenance, and inspection…
Propellers
“What makes an aluminum propeller blade a reject?”
Study source: FAA-H-8083-32B (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, Powerplant), chapter 7, page 7-21
Answer it out loud, freeAfter the written
When your written test report arrives, the ACS codes on your Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) tell you which topics will come back on the oral. Look them up on the A&P ACS codes page, build a printable study plan from them, and see the codes applicants miss most in FAA data.
These are DMEReady practice questions built from public FAA sources, not FAA test questions. DMEReady is an independent study tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA.