AMT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield AMT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What type of weld joint is used when two pieces of metal overlap and are welded along the edge of one piece? → Lap joint
2. Which material property describes resistance to scratching and surface wear? → Hardness
3. The function of the air bleed in the main discharge circuit of a float carburetor is to: → Emulsify (aerate) the fuel to improve atomization and prevent siphoning
4. Which of the following best describes a 'shower of sparks' ignition system? → An induction vibrator that produces a rapid series of sparks for starting
5. Why is it important to monitor exhaust gas temperature (EGT)? → To optimize fuel/air mixture
6. Which of the following conditions is required for corrosion to occur on a metal surface? → The simultaneous presence of an anode, cathode, metallic path, and electrolyte
7. How long must an aircraft owner or operator retain maintenance records showing the current status of applicable Airworthiness Directives? → The records must be transferred with the aircraft or retained for at least 2 years
8. What is the purpose of a weight and balance record that accompanies the aircraft? → To document all changes that affect the weight or CG of the aircraft
9. What is the allowable shop head height for a properly driven solid shank rivet? → 0.5D to 0.7D (50% to 70% of rivet diameter)
10. What is the purpose of a turbine engine's fuel heater? → To prevent ice crystals from forming in the fuel filter and blocking fuel flow
11. When bleeding a hydraulic system, what is the primary goal? → Purge all air from the lines to prevent spongy actuator response
12. How many copies of FAA Form 337 must be made when a major repair or alteration is performed on an aircraft? → Two copies — one for the aircraft records and one submitted to the FAA
13. Fretting corrosion is most likely to be found in which of the following locations on an aircraft? → Between two aluminum sheets in a lap joint under a loose rivet.
14. Which type of oil system is used on most gas turbine engines to ensure continuous lubrication during unusual flight attitudes? → Dry-sump pressure-feed system with a dedicated oil tank
15. When a metal is described as 'work hardened,' what has happened to it? → Its hardness increased due to plastic deformation from cold working
16. Which term describes a mandatory correction issued by the FAA for an unsafe condition? → Airworthiness Directive
17. According to FAA regulations, which document must accompany an aircraft engine when it is sold or transferred? → The engine logbook reflecting current total time in service and time since overhaul
18. When is it acceptable to use a blind rivet (Cherry rivet or similar) in an aircraft structural repair? → Only when approved by the aircraft manufacturer or SRM for that specific application
19. The purpose of a current limiter (fuse link) between the battery and main bus is to: → Protect the heavy feeder cable from a catastrophic fault current
20. What is the function of a torque tube in an aircraft flight control system? → To transmit rotational force along its axis to actuate a control surface
21. What is the significance of a 'Red X' placard in an aircraft cockpit? → The item is inoperative and the aircraft may not be flown
22. A technician must calculate the center of gravity of an aircraft. What is the correct formula to use? → Total Moment / Total Weight
23. Which aircraft document lists required inspections and maintenance intervals? → Maintenance manual
24. Which factor most significantly accelerates galvanic corrosion in a dissimilar metal couple? → A large cathode-to-anode surface area ratio
25. What is the purpose of a doubler plate installed on an aircraft skin? → To reinforce a weakened or repaired area
26. An aircraft's angle of incidence is defined as the angle between the wing chord line and the: → Longitudinal axis of the fuselage
27. While a gas turbine engine's ultimate purpose is to produce thrust, what is the primary role of the turbine section within the engine? → To extract energy from the hot gases to drive the compressor and accessories.
28. Which hydraulic fluid is used in most modern commercial transport aircraft? → Skydrol (purple phosphate ester)
29. In a reciprocating engine's continuous-flow fuel injection system, what is the primary function of the air bleed incorporated into the fuel discharge nozzle? → To assist in atomizing the fuel and improve vaporization at lower power settings.
30. What is the primary function of an accelerator pump in a float-type carburetor? → Provide extra fuel during rapid throttle opening to prevent a lean mixture