FAA Handbooks (Free Official Resources)
These official FAA handbooks are the foundation of A&P knowledge. They're comprehensive but can be dense reading. Best used as reference material alongside test prep guides.
-
Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook - General (FAA-H-8083-30B)
Covers fundamental knowledge required for all aviation maintenance technicians including mathematics, physics, aircraft drawings, weight and balance, and regulations.
-
Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook - Airframe (FAA-H-8083-31B)
Comprehensive guide to aircraft structures, systems, and components including sheet metal, composites, hydraulics, landing gear, electrical systems, and more.
-
Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook - Powerplant (FAA-H-8083-32B)
Covers reciprocating and turbine engines, fuel systems, ignition, starting systems, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, and propellers.
Printed Test Prep Guides
Test prep books condense FAA material into digestible study guides with practice questions. Great for structured learning and oral/practical exam preparation.
-
ASA Oral & Practical Exam Guide
The industry standard for O&P exam prep. Covers typical examiner questions organized by subject area. Updated regularly to match current ACS standards.
-
ASA Knowledge (Written) Test Prep Books (General, Airframe, Powerplant)
Contains all FAA knowledge test questions with detailed explanations. Great for understanding why answers are correct, not just memorizing them.
-
Jeppesen A&P Technician Series
Comprehensive textbook-style guides with detailed illustrations. More in-depth than ASA books. Good for visual learners.
-
Dale Crane's Aviation Maintenance Technician Series
Well-organized reference books with clear explanations. Dale Crane is a respected name in aviation education. Available in individual volumes or complete sets.
Desktop Software
Practice test software helps you simulate the actual testing experience and track your progress over time.
-
ASA Prepware (Download or Online)
Industry-leading test prep software with the complete FAA question database. Features practice tests, study mode, and performance tracking. Available for Windows, Mac, and online access.
-
Gleim A&P Knowledge Test Prep
Comprehensive online course with video instruction, practice tests, and study outlines. Known for thorough explanations and structured learning paths.
Mobile Apps
Study on the go during breaks, commutes, or downtime at work. Mobile apps are perfect for quick review sessions.
-
Sporty's Study Buddy (iOS & Android)
Popular aviation test prep app with flashcard-style learning. Great for quick review sessions. Includes progress tracking and weak area identification.
-
ASA Prepware Apps (iOS & Android)
Mobile version of the popular Prepware software. Syncs progress across devices if you have the desktop version. Complete question database with explanations.
-
Dauntless GroundSchool
Feature-rich test prep app with adaptive learning. Identifies your weak areas and focuses practice accordingly. Includes detailed answer explanations.
Study Bundles & Packages
Many publishers offer bundled packages that combine books, software, and apps at a discount. These can be cost-effective if you plan to use multiple resources.
-
ASA AMT Complete Learning Kit
Includes all three test prep books (General, Airframe, Powerplant), Prepware software, and the Oral & Practical Exam Guide. Best value for comprehensive preparation.
-
Gleim A&P Complete System
Full online course access plus printed study materials. Includes video instruction, practice tests, and performance analytics.
Quick Comparison
Compare popular study resources at a glance to find what fits your needs.
| Resource | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| FAA Handbooks | Reference, deep study | |
| ASA Knowledge (Written) Test Prep Books | Book | Written exam prep |
| ASA O&P Guide | Book | Oral & practical prep |
| ASA Prepware | Software | Practice tests |
| Sporty's Study Buddy | App | Mobile study |
| Gleim Complete | Online Course | Comprehensive prep |
| Jeppesen Series | Textbook | Visual learners |
Phase 1: General Written
The General written test is the first exam you must pass — it's required before Airframe or Powerplant. It covers broad aviation maintenance fundamentals across 12 subject areas.
Test Details
| Format | 60 multiple-choice questions |
| Time | 2 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% (42/60 questions correct) |
| Test Code | AMG (Aviation Mechanic Technician – General) |
| Prerequisite | None — this is the first test |
| Testing Location | FAA authorized PSI testing center |
What's On The Test
Subject areas and their percentage of the 60-question test (source: FAA-S-ACS-1 companion guide):
- Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics — 5–15% (highest weighted)
- Ground Operations and Servicing — 5–15% (highest weighted)
- Aircraft Drawings — 5–10%
- Weight and Balance — 5–10%
- Fluid Lines and Fittings — 5–10%
- Aircraft Materials, Hardware, and Processes — 5–10%
- Cleaning and Corrosion Control — 5–10%
- Mathematics — 5–10%
- Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications — 5–10%
- Physics for Aviation — 5–10%
- Inspection Concepts and Techniques — 5–10%
- Human Factors — 5–10%
How To Study
Resource: ASA General Mechanic Test Guide + Free Prepware
- Buy the ASA General Mechanic Test Guide — it includes a free Prepware access code
- Use prepware.com for online practice tests — no extra cost with the book code
- Target 90%+ consistently on practice tests before scheduling the real exam
Study Timeline
Timeline: 3–4 Weeks
Weeks 1–2: Foundation
- Read through the ASA Test Guide once
- Prioritize the two highest-weighted subjects:
- Electricity & Electronics (most technical)
- Ground Operations & Servicing
- Also study Regulations carefully — it's memorization-heavy but very scoreable
Weeks 3–4: Practice
- Daily practice tests on Prepware
- Study the explanation for every missed question
- Target: 90%+ consistently
- Drill Weight & Balance math problems until they're automatic
Final Days
- Take full timed 60-question practice exams
- Review any subject area below 80% on practice tests
- Schedule your exam when scoring 90%+ consistently
Pro Tips
- Electricity is the hardest topic — Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws, and reading circuit diagrams trip up most students. Don't skip or skim it.
- Weight & Balance requires math — know the formulas cold: Moment = Weight × Arm; CG = Total Moment ÷ Total Weight.
- Regulations are memorizable — 14 CFR parts 43, 65, and 91 are factual and very scoreable with focused study.
- 60 questions means limited margin for error — you can only miss 18. Treat every subject area seriously.
- Prepware mirrors the real test closely — test-takers consistently report seeing near-identical questions on the actual AMG exam.
Phase 2: Airframe Written
The Airframe written test covers aircraft structures, systems, and inspection across 15 subject areas. It's longer than General (100 questions) with more material — plan for more study time.
Test Details
| Format | 100 multiple-choice questions |
| Time | 2 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% (70/100 questions correct) |
| Test Code | AMA (Aviation Mechanic Technician – Airframe) |
| Prerequisite | Must pass General (AMG) first |
| Testing Location | FAA authorized PSI testing center |
What's On The Test
Subject areas and their percentage of the 100-question test (source: FAA-S-ACS-1 companion guide):
- Metallic Structures — 5–15% (highest weighted)
- Airframe Inspection — 5–15% (highest weighted)
- Non-Metallic Structures — 5–10%
- Flight Controls — 5–10%
- Landing Gear Systems — 5–10%
- Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems — 5–10%
- Environmental Systems — 5–10%
- Aircraft Instrument Systems — 5–10%
- Communication, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems — 5–10%
- Aircraft Fuel Systems — 5–10%
- Aircraft Electrical Systems — 5–10%
- Ice and Rain Control Systems — 5–10%
- Airframe Fire Protection Systems — 5–10%
- Rotorcraft Fundamentals — 5–10%
- Water and Waste Systems — 5–10%
How To Study
Resource: ASA Airframe Mechanic Test Guide + Free Prepware
- Buy the ASA Airframe Mechanic Test Guide — it includes a free Prepware access code
- Use prepware.com for online practice tests — no extra cost with the book code
- Target 90%+ consistently on practice tests before scheduling the real exam
Study Timeline
Timeline: 4–6 Weeks
Weeks 1–2: Foundation
- Read through the ASA Test Guide once
- Focus on the two highest-weighted subjects:
- Metallic Structures (riveting, sheet metal repair)
- Airframe Inspection (AD compliance, inspection programs)
- Also cover Hydraulic Systems and Flight Controls
Weeks 3–4: Intensive Practice
- Daily practice tests on Prepware
- Study the explanation for every missed question
- Target: 90%+ consistently
- Drill rivet spacing and edge distance calculations
Weeks 5–6: Final Prep
- Take full timed 100-question practice exams
- Identify and drill any subject below 80%
- Practice reading aircraft drawings — diagram questions are common
Pro Tips
- Metallic Structures is the most tested topic — know rivet spacing (3× diameter minimum), edge distance (2× diameter minimum), and repair classification cold.
- Airframe Inspection covers AD compliance and inspection programs (100-hour, annual, progressive) — these appear frequently and are straightforward to study.
- Flight Controls includes cable rigging and control surface balance — understand how systems work together, not just component names.
- 100 questions in 2 hours means under 75 seconds per question — practice pacing on full-length timed exams before test day.
Phase 3: General/Airframe Oral & Practical
The Oral & Practical exam is the final step to earning your Airframe rating. This is a hands-on, face-to-face exam with a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME).
General & Airframe Oral/Practical Study Guide
We've compiled everything you need to know for your General and Airframe O&P exams into one comprehensive PDF guide. This includes study strategies, must-know practical skills, test day details, and tips from those who passed.
Download Study Guide (PDF)Phase 4: Powerplant Written
The Powerplant written test covers reciprocating engines, turbine engines, and all related systems across 13 subject areas. It emphasizes troubleshooting and system operation.
Test Details
| Format | 100 multiple-choice questions |
| Time | 2 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% (70/100 questions correct) |
| Test Code | AMP (Aviation Mechanic Technician – Powerplant) |
| Prerequisite | Must pass General (AMG) first |
| Testing Location | FAA authorized PSI testing center |
What's On The Test
Subject areas and their percentage of the 100-question test (source: FAA-S-ACS-1 companion guide):
- Reciprocating Engines — 5–15% (highest weighted)
- Engine Electrical Systems — 5–15% (highest weighted)
- Turbine Engines — 5–10%
- Engine Inspection — 5–10%
- Engine Instrument Systems — 5–10%
- Engine Fire Protection Systems — 5–10%
- Engine Lubrication Systems — 5–10%
- Ignition and Starting Systems — 5–10%
- Engine Fuel and Fuel Metering Systems — 5–10%
- Reciprocating Engine Induction and Cooling Systems — 5–10%
- Turbine Engine Air Systems — 5–10%
- Engine Exhaust and Reverser Systems — 5–10%
- Propellers — 5–10%
How To Study
Resource: ASA Powerplant Mechanic Test Guide + Free Prepware
- Buy the ASA Powerplant Mechanic Test Guide — it includes a free Prepware access code
- Use prepware.com for online practice tests — no extra cost with the book code
- Target 90%+ consistently on practice tests before scheduling the real exam
Study Timeline
Timeline: 4–6 Weeks
Weeks 1–2: Foundation
- Read through the ASA Test Guide once
- Focus on the two highest-weighted subjects:
- Reciprocating Engines (operating principles, valve mechanisms)
- Engine Electrical Systems (magnetos, ignition circuits)
- Also cover Turbine Engines and Ignition/Starting Systems
Weeks 3–4: Intensive Practice
- Daily practice tests on Prepware
- Study the explanation for every missed question
- Target: 90%+ consistently
- Focus heavily on troubleshooting questions — "what would cause X" format
Weeks 5–6: Final Prep
- Take full timed 100-question practice exams
- Drill turbine engine station numbering and propeller governor operation
- Review any subject below 80% on practice tests
Pro Tips
- Magneto timing, E-gap, and P-lead function appear frequently — understand the full ignition circuit, not just definitions.
- Turbine engine station numbering is commonly tested — memorize the station sequence (station 2 = compressor inlet, station 3 = combustor inlet, station 4 = turbine inlet, station 5 = turbine exit).
- Carburetor icing can occur above freezing — conditions are typically 20–70°F with high humidity. This is a common test trick.
- "What would cause...?" questions dominate the Powerplant test — study causes and symptoms of failures, not just how systems work normally.
- Both piston and turbine engines are tested equally — don't over-focus on one type.
Phase 5: Powerplant Oral & Practical
The Oral & Practical exam is the final step to earning your Powerplant rating. This is a hands-on, face-to-face exam with a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME).
Powerplant Oral/Practical Study Guide
We've compiled everything you need to know for your Powerplant O&P exam into one comprehensive PDF guide. This includes study strategies, must-know practical skills, test day details, and tips from those who passed.
Download Study Guide (PDF)