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. Why is it important to monitor exhaust gas temperature (EGT)? → To optimize fuel/air mixture
2. 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.
3. Which term describes a mandatory correction issued by the FAA for an unsafe condition? → Airworthiness Directive
4. A technician must calculate the center of gravity of an aircraft. What is the correct formula to use? → Total Moment / Total Weight
5. Which aircraft document lists required inspections and maintenance intervals? → Maintenance manual
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. A modern commercial airliner is typically powered by high-bypass turbofan engines. What is the main benefit of having a high bypass ratio? → Improved fuel efficiency and reduced engine noise.
9. Which material is most commonly used in modern aircraft skin construction? → Aluminum alloy
10. What is the primary thermodynamic cycle upon which all gas turbine engines operate? → The Brayton cycle
11. The production of thrust in a turbine engine is best explained by which physical principle? → Newton's Third Law of Motion
12. In sheet metal layout for riveting, what is the term for the distance measured from the center of a rivet to the nearest edge of the metal? → Edge distance
13. What flight control surface is primarily responsible for pitch control? → Elevator
14. During landing gear retraction, the typical sequence of gear door operation is: → Doors open before gear retraction begins, then close after the gear is fully retracted
15. The purpose of a downlock in a retractable landing gear system is to: → Hold the landing gear in the fully extended position during flight
16. What is the primary effect of loading an aircraft with a center of gravity (CG) at the forward limit? → Increased stability and higher stall speed.
17. During takeoff in an aircraft with a constant-speed propeller, the propeller blade pitch is set to: → A low pitch, high RPM position to allow the engine to develop maximum power.
18. Why are magnetos used in aircraft ignition systems? → To provide spark without external power
19. In a magneto ignition system, what is the specific purpose of an impulse coupling? → To produce a hot, retarded spark for engine starting.
20. What type of engine is most commonly found in small general aviation aircraft? → Reciprocating engine
21. The design principle that ensures a structure can withstand specific loads without permanent deformation is known as its: → Elastic limit
22. What is the primary goal of a Safety Management System (SMS) in aviation? → Managing safety risks proactively
23. What is the purpose of an anti-skid system in aircraft? → Prevent wheel lock-up
24. When servicing an oleo-pneumatic shock strut, the correct extension of the inner cylinder piston is: → Specified in the aircraft maintenance manual for a given loading condition
25. A power-boost brake system uses hydraulic power to: → Amplify pilot pedal input forces for more effective braking with less effort
26. Which of the following tool combinations is used to properly install a solid shank rivet by forming the shop head? → A rivet gun and a bucking bar.
27. In a semi-monocoque fuselage, what is the primary function of longitudinal members such as longerons and stringers? → To absorb and transmit bending, tensile, and compressive stresses.
28. In a dual-spool, axial-flow compressor, how is the low-pressure compressor (N1) typically connected to its corresponding turbine? → Via a concentric shaft that passes through the hollow high-pressure (N2) shaft.
29. Which of the following statements is true regarding Airworthiness Directives (ADs)? → Compliance is mandatory for all applicable aircraft.
30. What is the primary function of an aircraft's hydraulic system? → Power flight control systems