AET Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the AET exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 AET Exam Format at a Glance
📚 AET Topics to Study (20)
✍️ Sample AET Questions & Answers
1. What does a glide slope transmitter provide to an aircraft?
The glide slope transmitter, part of the ILS system, provides vertical guidance to the aircraft, indicating the correct angle of descent to the runway. It ensures the aircraft maintains the optimal vertical path for a safe and stable approach, especially in instrument meteorological conditions.
2. Which system allows aircraft to determine bearing and distance using ground-based radio signals?
The VOR/DME system combines the capabilities of VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) for bearing information and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) for slant range distance. Together, they allow aircraft to determine their precise position (bearing and distance) relative to a ground station, enabling comprehensive navigation.
3. What is the function of a Flux Valve (flux detector) in an aircraft compass system?
A flux valve (also called a flux gate) detects the horizontal component of the Earth's magnetic field to provide an accurate magnetic heading signal to the heading indicator or AHRS.
4. What is the function of a data concentrator unit (DCU) in a modern avionics suite?
A DCU aggregates data from multiple avionics buses and sensors, formats it, and distributes it to cockpit display systems and other LRUs.
5. What does an arrowhead in a wiring schematic typically indicate?
An arrowhead in a wiring schematic is commonly used to indicate the intended direction of signal or current flow within a circuit. This helps technicians understand the logical progression of electrical energy or data and diagnose issues related to incorrect signal paths.
6. What document must accompany an avionics component to prove it is airworthy and approved for installation?
FAA Form 8130-3 is the Airworthiness Approval Tag that certifies a part or component has been inspected and meets airworthiness requirements for installation.