A&P Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. When must a workplace incident be reported to OSHA? → Within 8 hours for fatalities and 24 hours for hospitalizations
2. What is the recommended approach to staying current in Materials Science & Selection? → Regular professional development, industry publications, and peer collaboration
3. Which navigation system uses ground-based transmitters to determine aircraft position? → VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range)
4. What is the recommended approach to staying current in Troubleshooting & Diagnostics? → Regular professional development, industry publications, and peer collaboration
5. What is the primary cause of detonation in a reciprocating engine? → Low octane fuel or excessive cylinder temperatures.
6. What is the purpose of a debooster valve in an aircraft hydraulic brake system? → Reduce high system pressure to a lower, controllable pressure at the brake actuators
7. Which tool would be most appropriate for measuring the depth of a scratch in an aircraft skin? → Depth gauge
8. What is included in the standard empty weight of an aircraft? → Airframe, engines, all permanently installed equipment, unusable fuel, and undrainable oil
9. Which best describes the scope of Troubleshooting & Diagnostics in professional practice? → A comprehensive area covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications
10. What document must employers maintain to record workplace injuries and illnesses? → OSHA Form 300 Log
11. What is the primary benefit of adopting technology in professional practice? → Improved efficiency, accuracy, and the ability to scale operations
12. Which best describes the scope of Project Planning & Scheduling in professional practice? → A comprehensive area covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications
13. Which component converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) in an aircraft electrical system? → Rectifier
14. A brake anti-skid system in an aircraft hydraulic system functions by: → Momentarily reducing brake pressure when wheel deceleration indicates an impending skid
15. What is the primary function of a circuit breaker in an aircraft electrical system? → To protect circuits by interrupting excessive current flow
16. What is the significance of user training in technology implementation? → It maximizes the return on technology investment by ensuring effective utilization
17. Which inspection method is best for detecting internal cracks in aluminum structures? → Eddy current testing
18. What is the recommended approach to staying current in Blueprint Reading & Technical Drawings? → Regular professional development, industry publications, and peer collaboration
19. What is the purpose of an Airworthiness Directive (AD)? → To mandate corrective action for unsafe conditions found in certificated products
20. What common challenge do professionals face when applying Mechanical Systems & Maintenance principles? → Balancing theoretical best practices with practical constraints and real-world conditions
21. Which FAR part governs the maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration of aircraft? → FAR Part 43
22. Under FAR 43.12, falsification of maintenance records can result in: → Suspension or revocation of the mechanic's certificate
23. What does the term "permissible exposure limit" (PEL) refer to? → The maximum concentration of a substance workers may be exposed to over an 8-hour shift
24. What should be the first action when a new regulation is enacted that affects your practice? → Review the regulation, assess its impact, and develop an implementation plan
25. What is the purpose of a service bulletin (SB) issued by an aircraft manufacturer? → To recommend maintenance procedures or product improvements
26. What is the function of the turbine section in a turbofan engine? → To drive the compressor & fan blades using exhaust gases.
27. Which document provides approved data for major repairs and alterations on aircraft? → FAA Form 337 (Major Repair & Alteration)
28. Which type of engine uses a propeller to convert shaft power into thrust? → Reciprocating engine
29. What effect does moving cargo from an aft compartment to a forward compartment have on the CG? → Moves the CG forward
30. What is the role of documentation in regulatory compliance? → It provides verifiable evidence that standards are being met