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. In Certified Aircraft Maintenance Technician, which project estimation & planning approach is MOST effective for achieving long-term goals? → Strategic planning with measurable objectives and regular progress reviews
2. Which material is most commonly used in modern aircraft structures? → Aluminum alloy
3. What is the purpose of a shimmy damper on an aircraft nose gear? → To absorb and dampen rapid oscillations of the nose wheel
4. What does a hydraulic system relief valve do? → Limits maximum system pressure by bypassing fluid back to the reservoir
5. Which quality control & inspection tool is MOST valuable for identifying root causes in Certified Aircraft Maintenance Technician? → Root cause analysis with systematic investigation methods
6. What principle states that pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted equally in all directions? → Pascal's law
7. What is the PRIMARY benefit of documenting installation techniques & methods in Certified Aircraft Maintenance Technician? → Creating a reference for quality assurance, training, and continuous improvement
8. What color is MIL-H-5606 mineral-based hydraulic fluid used in some general aviation aircraft? → Red
9. What is the primary purpose of an aircraft transponder? → To reply to ATC radar interrogations with aircraft identification and altitude
10. What condition causes vapor lock in an aircraft fuel system? → Fuel temperature rises and vaporizes in the lines, creating bubbles that disrupt flow
11. What type of stress does an aircraft wing experience during flight? → Bending stress
12. What does the acronym 'ADF' stand for in aircraft avionics? → Automatic Direction Finder
13. What is checked during a borescope inspection? → Internal engine components
14. What does the 'LL' designation in AVGAS 100LL stand for? → Low Lead — indicating reduced lead content compared to 100/130 aviation gasoline
15. What is the primary purpose of an aircraft's airframe? → To support structural loads
16. Why are discrepancy logs important in aircraft maintenance? → Track unresolved issues
17. What should a mechanic check during a pre-flight inspection? → External damage and fluids
18. When troubleshooting an aircraft avionics system, what instrument is most commonly used to measure resistance? → Multimeter (ohmmeter function)
19. What tool is used to check for cracks in metal surfaces? → Dye penetrant
20. Which component is typically part of the aircraft's primary structure? → Fuselage
21. Which PPE is essential during aircraft painting? → Respirator
22. What is the MOST important skill for effective project estimation & planning in Certified Aircraft Maintenance Technician? → Clear communication and the ability to align team efforts with objectives
23. What device protects an aircraft electrical circuit from overcurrent conditions? → Circuit breaker or fuse
24. What is the purpose of a bus bar in an aircraft electrical system? → To distribute electrical power to multiple circuits from a common point
25. What system provides an emergency means of extending the landing gear if the normal hydraulic system fails? → Emergency free-fall or alternate extension system
26. What is the primary purpose of fuel tank vents on aircraft? → To allow air to enter as fuel is consumed, preventing vacuum formation that restricts flow
27. What is the function of an aircraft anti-skid system? → To automatically modulate brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup and tire skidding
28. Which control surface manages the aircraft’s pitch? → Elevator
29. Which metric BEST indicates successful project estimation & planning in Certified Aircraft Maintenance Technician? → Achievement of defined key performance indicators and stakeholder satisfaction
30. When learning new installation techniques & methods in Certified Aircraft Maintenance Technician, which approach is MOST effective? → Combining theoretical study with supervised practical application