AET certification — how do you split study time between avionics systems and the regulatory knowledge?
I'm working toward the AET credential and I'm struggling with time allocation. I work on avionics bench repair full time so the hands-on systems knowledge is solid, but the FAA regulatory framework — Part 43, Part 65, applicable ACs — is something I've picked up piecemeal and never studied systematically.
The exam blueprint lists both technical and regulatory domains but doesn't give percentage weights clearly. I've been spending 70% of my study time on technical content because that's where I feel more confident, which might be backwards.
How did people who've passed recently balance those two areas?
Part 43 maintenance records requirements are heavily tested — what has to be in a maintenance entry, return-to-service documentation, who can sign off what. Memorize the specifics, not just the general concepts.
I used the AET Avionics Electronic Technicians practice questions to baseline where I actually stood. My technical scores were fine but my regulatory scores were 20 points lower — that gave me clear direction on where to focus.
Flip your ratio. The regulatory domain trips up most experienced techs because you know the procedures but don't know the specific regulatory citations. Spend 60% on regulatory and let your bench experience carry the technical side.
Don't underestimate the navigation systems section even if you're primarily a comms or instrument tech. The exam covers ILS, VOR, ADS-B, and TCAS at a level that requires real study if you haven't worked those systems recently.