AMT — General

Shared maintenance knowledge: math, physics, materials, and regulations.

206 topics · grounded in the FAA handbooks · 13-module study path · ~26 hr 39 min of reading

Study Path

A suggested reading order, sequenced like a textbook — start at Module 1 and work down. Each module builds on the last, mirroring how the FAA handbook presents the material.

Module 1: Aviation Mathematics Fundamentals
Builds the arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and unit-conversion skills technicians need before tackling technical calculations elsewhere in the curriculum.
15 articles · ~1 hr 54 min
Module 2: Physics for Aviation Maintenance
Introduces the mechanical, thermal, and fluid physics principles—forces, energy, pressure, and heat—that explain how aircraft systems behave.
16 articles · ~2 hr 10 min
Module 3: Aircraft Drawings and Technical Data
Teaches how to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and documentation conventions used throughout maintenance work.
16 articles · ~2 hr 9 min
Module 4: Basic Electricity for Technicians
Covers DC and AC circuit theory, components, and test equipment as the electrical foundation for aircraft systems work.
16 articles · ~2 hr 3 min
Module 5: Aircraft Materials and Fabrication Processes
Surveys metals, wood, fabric, composites, and hardware along with the fabrication and joining processes used to build and repair airframes.
16 articles · ~2 hr 4 min
Module 6: Cleaning and Corrosion Control
Expands on corrosion science and control from prevention through detection, treatment, and documentation of findings.
16 articles · ~2 hr 5 min
Module 7: Fluid Lines, Fittings, and Plumbing
Details the selection, fabrication, installation, and inspection of rigid and flexible fluid-carrying lines and their fittings.
16 articles · ~2 hr 1 min
Module 8: Aircraft Weight and Balance
Moves from terminology and math into full weighing, loading, and CG-management procedures once structures and systems knowledge is established.
16 articles · ~2 hr 6 min
Module 9: Ground Operations and Servicing
Applies foundational knowledge to everyday ramp tasks such as towing, jacking, fueling, and fluid servicing.
16 articles · ~2 hr 5 min
Module 10: Inspection Concepts and Nondestructive Testing
Builds inspection skills from basic visual checks through advanced NDT methods used to find hidden defects.
16 articles · ~2 hr 3 min
Module 11: Maintenance Forms, Records, and Documentation
Explains the recordkeeping, logbooks, and forms required to document airworthy maintenance once technical tasks are understood.
16 articles · ~2 hr 3 min
Module 12: Mechanic Privileges, Responsibilities, and Regulations
Covers the regulatory framework defining what certificated mechanics may do and how they must exercise those privileges responsibly.
16 articles · ~1 hr 57 min
Module 13: Human Factors in Maintenance
Closes the curriculum by addressing the human performance issues—communication, fatigue, complacency, and culture—that affect maintenance safety and quality.
15 articles · ~1 hr 59 min

Or browse by subject

The same 206 articles, grouped by topic.

Basic Electricity(16)

Series Circuits: Voltage, Current, and Resistance Relationships

In a series circuit, current is identical at every point while voltage divides across resistors proportionally to their resistance — a foundational principle every aviation technician must master for troubleshooting aircraft electrical systems.

Parallel Circuits: Current Paths and Resistance Calculation

In a parallel circuit, multiple current paths share the same voltage while total resistance drops below the smallest branch resistor — a critical concept for AMT electrical troubleshooting and the FAA knowledge test.

Kirchhoff's Voltage and Current Laws

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law and Current Law are the foundational rules governing every electrical circuit in an aircraft, explaining how voltage and current behave at junctions and around loops.

Series-Parallel Circuit Analysis for Aviation Technicians

Series-parallel circuits combine both circuit types, and aviation technicians must analyze them correctly to troubleshoot aircraft electrical systems, calculate load distribution, and ensure component safety.

Ohm's Law and Its Application in Aircraft Electrical Systems

Ohm's Law defines the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in any electrical circuit — a foundational concept every AMT must master to troubleshoot aircraft electrical systems safely and accurately.

Capacitance and Capacitors: Function and Behavior in DC Circuits

Capacitors store electrical energy in an electric field between two conductors and profoundly shape how DC circuits behave during charge and discharge cycles — a must-know concept for the AMT knowledge test.

Types of Electrical Conductors and Insulators Used in Aircraft

Aircraft electrical systems rely on carefully chosen conductors and insulators; understanding their properties, ratings, and applications is essential for safe maintenance and FAA knowledge-test success.

Magnetism and Electromagnetism: Principles for Aircraft Components

Magnetism and electromagnetism are the foundation of generators, motors, transformers, and ignition systems aboard aircraft — understanding their principles is essential for any AMT.

Inductance and Inductors: Self-Induction and Back-EMF

Inductance is a circuit property that opposes changes in current flow; inductors store energy in a magnetic field and generate a back-EMF that resists both increases and decreases in current, a principle critical to aircraft electrical and ignition systems.

AC vs DC Power: Characteristics and Aircraft Applications

Aircraft electrical systems use both AC and DC power, each with distinct characteristics and roles. Understanding how they differ — and why each is used where it is — is essential for every AMT.

Alternating Current Waveforms: Frequency, Amplitude, and Phase

Alternating current changes direction periodically, and understanding its waveform characteristics—frequency, amplitude, and phase—is essential for any aviation maintenance technician working with aircraft electrical systems.

Electrical Test Equipment: Proper Use of Multimeters and Ohmmeters

Multimeters and ohmmeters are essential tools for aviation maintenance technicians; knowing how to select the correct range, lead polarity, and circuit conditions prevents damage to instruments and ensures accurate measurements.

Impedance in AC Circuits: Resistance, Capacitive, and Inductive Reactance

Impedance is the total opposition to current flow in an AC circuit, combining resistance with capacitive and inductive reactance into a single value measured in ohms.

Electric Power and Wattage Calculations in Aircraft Systems

Understanding electric power and wattage in aircraft systems is essential for AMT certification — learn how to calculate watts, apply Ohm's Law, and troubleshoot aircraft electrical loads safely.

Bonding and Grounding Principles in Aircraft Electrical Systems

Bonding and grounding are essential electrical safety techniques that control static electricity, reduce interference, and protect aircraft from lightning and fault currents — critical knowledge for every AMT.

Voltage Drop and Wire Gauge Selection in Aircraft Wiring

Excessive voltage drop caused by undersized wire degrades avionics, dims lights, and can overheat conductors — understanding how to calculate and prevent it is essential for every aircraft maintenance technician.

Aircraft Drawings(16)

Orthographic Projection in Aircraft Drawings

Orthographic projection is the standard multi-view drawing technique used in aviation maintenance to show an aircraft part's true shape, size, and detail from multiple 90-degree viewpoints on a single flat drawing.

Types of Lines Used in Aviation Blueprints

Aviation blueprints use a standardized set of line types—each with a distinct weight, style, and purpose—that AMT students must recognize to read technical drawings accurately and safely.

Bill of Materials and Parts Lists on Drawings

A bill of materials (BOM) and parts list on an aircraft drawing inventories every component needed to fabricate or assemble a part, giving AMTs the complete documentation trail required for airworthy maintenance.

Auxiliary Views in Aircraft Technical Drawings

Auxiliary views reveal the true shape and size of inclined or oblique surfaces in aircraft technical drawings that standard orthographic views cannot accurately depict.

Sectional Views and Cross-Section Drawings

Sectional and cross-section drawings reveal interior structure hidden by exterior surfaces, giving AMTs the precise detail needed for inspection, assembly, and repair of aircraft components.

Title Block and Revision Block Interpretation

The title block and revision block are the official identity cards of any aircraft drawing, containing critical data that mechanics must read correctly before fabricating or inspecting any part.

Drawing Scale and Proportion in Aircraft Blueprints

Aircraft blueprints use standardized drawing scales and proportions to represent complex structures at a manageable size, allowing AMTs to accurately interpret dimensions, verify fits, and perform repairs to manufacturer specifications.

Isometric and Oblique Pictorial Drawings

Isometric and oblique pictorial drawings give aviation maintenance technicians a realistic three-dimensional view of aircraft components on a flat page, making them essential for interpreting technical manuals and blueprints.

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) Basics for AMT

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is a symbolic language used on engineering drawings to define part geometry, allowable variation, and inspection requirements — critical knowledge for AMTs interpreting aircraft manufacturing and repair documents.

Electrical Wiring Schematic Diagrams vs. Pictorial Diagrams

Schematic diagrams show how an aircraft electrical circuit functions using standardized symbols, while pictorial diagrams show how components physically appear and connect — both are essential tools for AMT troubleshooting and repair.

Surface Finish Symbols and Callouts on Aircraft Drawings

Surface finish symbols and callouts on aircraft drawings specify the exact texture and roughness requirements for machined parts, ensuring proper fit, function, and safety of aircraft components.

Hydraulic and Pneumatic Schematic Diagram Symbols

Learn to read hydraulic and pneumatic schematic diagram symbols so you can trace fluid power systems on aircraft drawings, troubleshoot faults, and pass the FAA AMT General knowledge test.

Microfilm and Digital Drawing Systems in Aviation Maintenance

Microfilm and digital drawing systems give aviation maintainers rapid, reliable access to technical data; understanding their formats, controls, and proper use is essential for safe, FAA-compliant maintenance work.

Welding Symbols and Joint Callouts on Technical Drawings

Welding symbols on aircraft technical drawings communicate every detail of a weld joint — type, size, location, and finish — in a standardized shorthand that every AMT must be able to read accurately.

Engineering Change Orders and Drawing Revision Control

Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and drawing revision control ensure aircraft maintenance documentation stays accurate, traceable, and airworthy — a critical discipline for every AMT working from technical drawings.

Zone Numbering and Reference Systems on Large-Format Drawings

Large-format aircraft drawings use alphanumeric zone grids and standardized reference systems to let technicians pinpoint any feature instantly — a critical skill for AMT General knowledge tests and real shop work.

Weight and Balance(16)

Aircraft Weight and Balance Terminology (Empty Weight, CG, Datum, Arm, Moment)

Master the five core weight-and-balance terms—empty weight, CG, datum, arm, and moment—that every AMT must know to legally load and maintain aircraft and pass the FAA General knowledge test.

Calculating Moment and Center of Gravity for Aircraft

Learn how to calculate moment and center of gravity (CG) step by step, including the arm-moment-weight relationship, datum reference, and how CG shifts with loading changes — critical knowledge for both the AMT General exam and safe flight operations.

Basic Weight and Balance Equations for AMT Calculations

AMT candidates must master the fundamental weight and balance equations—weight, arm, moment, and CG calculations—to ensure aircraft are loaded safely and legally before every flight.

Types of Aircraft Weight: Empty, Gross, Zero Fuel, and Maximum Weights

Understanding empty, gross, zero fuel, and maximum aircraft weights is essential for safe loading and legal operation — these defined weight limits protect structural integrity and ensure controllable flight.

CG Envelope and Limits: Forward and Aft CG Boundaries

The CG envelope defines the forward and aft limits within which an aircraft must be loaded to remain controllable and structurally safe; exceeding either boundary can be immediately dangerous.

Using Weight and Balance Loading Charts and Graphs

Weight and balance loading charts and graphs let aircraft technicians and pilots quickly verify that an aircraft's loaded CG falls within approved limits, turning complex moment calculations into straightforward graphical lookups.

Effects of CG Position on Aircraft Stability and Control

Center of gravity position directly affects an aircraft's longitudinal stability, control effectiveness, and structural load limits — understanding CG is essential for safe, efficient flight.

Performing an Aircraft Weighing Procedure: Equipment and Setup

Aircraft weighing requires calibrated scales, proper equipment setup, and precise leveling to produce accurate weight and balance data that is legally required for airworthiness.

Computing Ballast Requirements to Correct Out-of-Limits CG

Learn how aviation maintenance technicians calculate ballast weight and placement to bring an aircraft's center of gravity back within certified limits, using moment arm math and FAA-approved procedures.

Leveling the Aircraft for Accurate Weight and Balance Measurement

Properly leveling an aircraft before weight and balance measurement ensures accurate load calculations; even small tilt angles can introduce significant errors in moment arms and center of gravity location.

Weight and Balance Effects of Repair, Alteration, and Equipment Changes

Every repair, alteration, or equipment change affects an aircraft's weight and balance; AMTs must calculate and document these shifts to keep the airplane within its certified envelope.

Adverse Loading CG Check Procedures

The adverse loading CG check confirms an aircraft's center of gravity stays within certified limits under the most extreme realistic loading conditions, a critical step in every weight and balance analysis.

Weight and Balance Record-Keeping and Documentation Requirements

Accurate weight and balance record-keeping is a legal and safety requirement for aircraft; AMTs must know what documents are required, how to update them, and where they must be kept.

Weight and Balance Considerations for Helicopters and Multiengine Aircraft

Helicopter and multiengine aircraft weight and balance calculations involve unique moment arms, loading envelopes, and lateral/longitudinal CG limits that directly affect flight safety and controllability.

Jacking Points, Scales, and Tare Weight Considerations During Weighing

Aircraft weighing requires precise use of approved jacking points, calibrated scales, and careful tare weight deductions to ensure accurate empty weight and CG calculations for safe flight.

Locating the Datum Reference Plane in Aircraft Design

The datum is an imaginary vertical reference plane used to calculate arm distances for weight and balance; its location is set by the manufacturer and must be understood to correctly compute moments and CG.

Fluid Lines & Fittings(16)

Fluid Line Sizing: OD vs ID and Dash Number Notation

Aviation fluid lines are identified by dash numbers tied to outside or inside diameter—understanding OD vs ID and the dash numbering system is essential for correct line selection, maintenance, and FAA knowledge test success.

Rigid Fluid Line Materials and Identification (Aluminum, Steel, Titanium)

Aircraft rigid fluid lines are manufactured from aluminum alloy, steel, or titanium tubing, each chosen for specific pressure, temperature, and weight requirements; correct material identification and selection are critical to airworthiness.

AN and MS Flareless Fitting Standards and Applications

AN and MS flareless fittings provide secure, leak-free connections in aircraft hydraulic, fuel, and pneumatic systems without requiring a flared tube end — understanding their standards, installation steps, and limits is essential for any AMT.

Flexible Hose Types and Construction (Rubber, PTFE, Teflon)

Aircraft flexible hoses—rubber, PTFE, and Teflon—each serve distinct pressure, temperature, and fluid-compatibility roles; understanding their construction and markings is essential for safe installation and FAA knowledge test success.

Single-Flare vs Double-Flare Tube End Fabrication

Single-flare and double-flare tube end fabrication are critical skills for aircraft fluid-line maintenance; choosing the correct type and executing it properly ensures leak-free, structurally sound connections.

B-Nut and Sleeve Installation for Flareless Fittings

Flareless fittings use a sleeve and B-nut to create a leak-free hydraulic or fuel line connection without flaring the tube — correct installation technique is critical for safety and FAA knowledge test success.

45-Degree Flare Fitting Assembly and Torque Procedures

Learn how to properly assemble and torque 45-degree flare fittings used in aircraft fluid systems, including preparation steps, torque values, and common inspection pitfalls covered on the FAA AMT General knowledge test.

Tube Bending Techniques and Minimum Bend Radius Requirements

Proper tube bending prevents kinks, wrinkles, and structural failure in aircraft fluid lines; mastering minimum bend radius and correct technique is essential for airworthy plumbing repairs.

Hose Clamping, Routing, and Support Spacing Requirements

Aircraft hose installation demands precise clamping intervals, correct routing away from heat and chafe hazards, and proper support spacing to prevent vibration fatigue and fluid system failures.

Fluid Line Inspection: Dents, Kinks, Corrosion, and Chafing Criteria

Fluid lines are the circulatory system of an aircraft—this article covers the FAA inspection criteria for dents, kinks, corrosion, and chafing so technicians know exactly when to repair or replace a line.

Swaged and Reusable End Fittings for Flexible Hose

Swaged and reusable end fittings allow flexible hose assemblies to be terminated securely for aircraft hydraulic, fuel, and pneumatic systems; understanding their construction, inspection, and correct installation is essential for safe fluid-line maintenance.

Color Coding and Identification Markings on Aircraft Fluid Lines

Aircraft fluid lines use standardized color codes, bands, and letter codes so maintenance technicians can instantly identify a line's contents and function—critical for both safety and correct servicing.

Pressure Ratings and Proof Test Requirements for Fluid Lines

Pressure ratings, burst limits, and proof test requirements for aircraft fluid lines govern safe system design and post-repair airworthiness; understanding these values is essential for every AMT.

Fluid Line End Preparation: Cutting, Deburring, and Cleaning Procedures

Proper fluid line end preparation—cutting, deburring, and cleaning—is critical for leak-free hydraulic, fuel, and pneumatic systems; errors here can cause fittings to fail or contaminate entire aircraft systems.

Quick-Disconnect Fittings: Types, Operation, and Maintenance

Quick-disconnect fittings allow fluid lines to be rapidly coupled or uncoupled without tools or fluid loss, making them critical for aircraft maintenance efficiency and system integrity.

Torque Values and Leak Testing Procedures for Fluid Line Connections

Proper torque values and leak testing procedures for fluid line connections are critical to aircraft airworthiness — under- or over-torquing fittings and missing leaks can lead to system failures and fires.

Materials & Processes(16)

Aircraft Wood Species Selection and Defect Identification

Aircraft wood selection requires strict adherence to approved species, grain requirements, and defect limits; understanding these criteria is essential for safe structural repairs and FAA knowledge test success.

Aircraft Fabric Covering Materials and Grades

Aircraft fabric covering systems use specific materials and grades rated for airworthiness; selecting the correct fabric type, thread count, and weight is critical for structural integrity and FAA approval.

Aircraft Dope and Fabric Finishing Processes

Aircraft dope and fabric finishing is a multi-step process that seals, tightens, and protects fabric-covered airframes; AMT candidates must understand dope types, application sequences, and inspection criteria.

Corrosion Types and Identification on Aircraft Structures

Aircraft corrosion comes in several distinct forms, each with unique causes, appearances, and structural risks; AMTs must correctly identify each type to apply the right treatment and prevent catastrophic failure.

Corrosion Prevention and Treatment Methods for Aircraft

Aircraft corrosion is a leading cause of structural degradation; AMTs must recognize corrosion types, understand prevention strategies, and apply correct treatment methods to maintain airworthiness.

Heat Treatment Processes for Aircraft Aluminum Alloys

Aircraft aluminum alloys rely on precise heat treatment sequences—annealing, solution heat treatment, and precipitation hardening—to achieve the strength and corrosion resistance required for airworthy structures.

Aircraft Steel Alloy Designations and Properties

Aircraft steel alloys are identified by a four-digit AISI/SAE numbering system that reveals composition and guides selection for critical structural and engine components.

Ferrous vs Non-Ferrous Metals in Aircraft Construction

Aircraft construction uses both ferrous metals (iron-based alloys like steel) and non-ferrous metals (aluminum, titanium, magnesium) chosen for their unique strength, weight, and corrosion properties.

Composite Material Types Used in Aircraft Structures

Composite materials are increasingly used in modern aircraft structures for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio; understanding their types, construction, and properties is essential for AMT certification.

Fiberglass and Carbon Fiber Layup and Repair Techniques

Fiberglass and carbon fiber composite layup and repair techniques are essential AMT skills covering wet layup, prepreg, patch geometry, and cure methods critical to structural integrity and airworthiness.

Welding Processes Used in Aircraft Repair (OAW TIG MIG)

Aircraft maintenance technicians must understand oxyfuel, TIG, and MIG welding processes — their equipment, applications, and limitations — as each serves a specific role in certificated aircraft repair.

Rivets Types Selection and Installation Standards

A comprehensive guide to aircraft rivet types, materials, selection criteria, and FAA-approved installation standards every AMT candidate must know for the General knowledge test.

Adhesives Sealants and Chemical Compounds in Aircraft Maintenance

Aircraft maintenance relies on specific adhesives, sealants, and chemical compounds approved for aviation use; selecting and applying the correct product is critical for structural integrity, corrosion prevention, and airworthiness.

Plastics and Transparent Enclosure Materials in Aircraft

Aircraft plastics and transparent enclosures—from acrylic windshields to composite fairings—demand precise handling techniques; understanding their properties and approved repair methods is essential for every AMT.

Aircraft Hardware Identification Threads and Standards

Aircraft hardware threads and standards define the precise dimensions, tolerances, and identification markings that keep fasteners safe and interchangeable on certified aircraft — a critical area for any AMT.

Non-Destructive Testing Methods for Aircraft Materials

Non-destructive testing (NDT) allows aviation maintenance technicians to inspect aircraft materials and structures for hidden defects without removing or damaging the part, ensuring airworthiness while preserving structural integrity.

Cleaning & Corrosion Control(16)

Galvanic Corrosion in Dissimilar Metal Contacts

Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals make electrical contact in the presence of an electrolyte, causing the less noble metal to corrode rapidly — a critical concern in aircraft maintenance and repair.

Types of Aircraft Corrosion and Their Identification

Aircraft corrosion takes many distinct forms — from uniform surface attack to hidden intergranular decay — and an AMT must recognize each type on sight to stop structural damage before it becomes catastrophic.

Causes and Conditions That Accelerate Aircraft Corrosion

Corrosion silently destroys aircraft structural integrity; understanding the environmental, chemical, and design conditions that accelerate it is essential for every aviation maintenance technician.

Corrosion Removal Methods for Aluminum Aircraft Structures

Aluminum aircraft structures require specific corrosion removal methods — from mechanical abrasion to chemical treatments — to restore structural integrity while protecting the base metal from further attack.

Protective Aircraft Coatings and Paint Systems

Aircraft protective coatings and paint systems do far more than enhance appearance — they form the primary barrier against corrosion, UV degradation, and chemical attack, making proper selection and application critical to airframe longevity and safety.

Corrosion Treatment and Chemical Conversion Coatings

Aviation maintenance technicians must identify, treat, and prevent corrosion on aircraft structures using approved chemical processes and conversion coatings to maintain airworthiness and structural integrity.

Anodizing and Alodine Surface Treatment Processes

Anodizing and Alodine (chromate conversion coating) are two essential aluminum surface treatments that prevent corrosion by creating protective oxide layers — a must-know topic for the FAA AMT General knowledge test.

Aircraft Corrosion Inspection Techniques and Procedures

Aircraft corrosion inspection requires systematic visual and tactile examination of high-risk zones, proper use of inspection aids, and strict documentation to catch early-stage deterioration before structural integrity is compromised.

Aircraft Cleaning Agents and Approved Solvent Use

Aircraft cleaning agents range from mild soaps to powerful solvents, and selecting the right product—while following safety and regulatory guidance—is essential for corrosion control and airworthiness.

Proper Aircraft Washing and Surface Cleaning Procedures

Proper aircraft washing and surface cleaning protects against corrosion, preserves structural integrity, and keeps inspection surfaces visible — following FAA-approved procedures is essential for every AMT.

Corrosion Control in Aircraft Bilge and Drain Areas

Bilge and drain areas are the most corrosion-prone zones on any aircraft; understanding why they corrode and how to inspect, treat, and prevent damage is essential AMT knowledge.

Corrosion Prevention on Aircraft Ferrous Metal Components

Ferrous metal aircraft components are highly vulnerable to rust and corrosion; learn the FAA-approved detection, treatment, and prevention methods every AMT must master for airworthiness.

Stress Corrosion Cracking in Aircraft Structural Members

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) occurs when sustained tensile stress combines with a corrosive environment to split metal from the inside out, often without visible warning — making it one of the most dangerous forms of corrosion in aircraft structures.

Fretting Corrosion in Aircraft Joints and Fastener Holes

Fretting corrosion develops at metal contact surfaces under cyclic micro-motion, quietly destroying joint integrity and fastener holes long before visible damage appears — a top concern for every AMT.

Corrosion Control for Aircraft in Marine and High-Humidity Environments

Marine and high-humidity environments accelerate aircraft corrosion dramatically; understanding the types, inspection methods, and treatment procedures is essential for AMT certification and airworthy maintenance.

Documenting and Recording Aircraft Corrosion Findings

Proper documentation of aircraft corrosion findings is a safety-critical maintenance function that ensures traceability, regulatory compliance, and informed future inspections — every finding must be recorded accurately in the aircraft's maintenance records.

Mathematics(15)

Whole Numbers, Fractions, and Decimals in Aviation Calculations

Aviation maintenance technicians rely on whole numbers, fractions, and decimals every day for precise calculations. This article explains how these number types work, how to convert between them, and how to apply them correctly in AMT math problems.

Signed Numbers and Absolute Value in Aviation Math

Signed numbers and absolute value are foundational math tools that AMT students use to handle temperature differences, pressure changes, and torque calculations with precision and confidence.

Percentage Calculations for Aviation Maintenance Technicians

Aviation Maintenance Technicians must master percentage calculations to solve fuel mixtures, battery charge states, rigging tolerances, and service limits — all common on the FAA AMT General knowledge test.

Ratio and Proportion in Aviation Maintenance

Ratio and proportion are foundational math tools that aviation maintenance technicians use daily—from mixing fluids and computing gear ratios to scaling torque values and reading technical data.

Scientific Notation for Expressing Aviation Measurements

Scientific notation allows aviation technicians to express very large or very small measurements concisely, using powers of ten — an essential skill for electronics, fuel calculations, and precision maintenance work.

Powers and Roots: Squares, Cubes, and Square Roots for AMT

Aviation Maintenance Technicians rely on powers and roots daily for area, volume, and electrical calculations. This article builds mastery of squares, cubes, and square roots from first principles to FAA exam readiness.

Introduction to Trigonometry: Sine, Cosine, and Tangent for AMT

Aviation maintenance technicians use sine, cosine, and tangent ratios to solve right-triangle problems in structural layout, rigging angles, and force resolution — core skills tested on the FAA AMT General exam.

Algebraic Equations and Solving for Unknowns in Maintenance Formulas

Aviation maintenance technicians rely on algebra daily to solve for unknown values in electrical, structural, and fluid-system formulas; mastering equation manipulation is essential for both the FAA knowledge test and safe shop practice.

Volume Calculations: Cylinders, Spheres, and Rectangular Solids

Aviation maintenance technicians must calculate volumes of cylinders, spheres, and rectangular solids to determine fuel capacities, fluid quantities, and structural dimensions accurately during aircraft maintenance.

Perimeter and Circumference Calculations in Sheet Metal Layout

Sheet metal layout requires precise perimeter and circumference calculations to cut, bend, and form parts accurately; mastering these formulas is essential for every aviation maintenance technician.

Graphs and Charts: Reading and Interpreting Aviation Data

Aviation maintenance technicians must read and interpret graphs and charts accurately to diagnose systems, verify performance, and comply with manufacturer limits — a core math skill tested on the AMT General exam.

Unit Conversions: SI and US Customary Systems for Aviation

Aviation technicians must fluently convert between SI (metric) and US customary units for measurements of length, mass, pressure, temperature, and volume—errors in conversion can have direct safety consequences.

Binary and Hexadecimal Number Systems in Avionics Maintenance

Aviation maintenance technicians must understand binary and hexadecimal number systems to read fault codes, program avionics, and interpret digital data buses used throughout modern aircraft systems.

Order of Operations (PEMDAS) Applied to Maintenance Math

Aviation maintenance technicians rely on the correct mathematical order of operations—parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction—to compute accurate values for critical aircraft calculations.

Area Calculations: Rectangles, Triangles, and Circles in Airframe Work

Aviation maintenance technicians calculate areas of rectangles, triangles, and circles daily for sheet metal repairs, fuel load estimates, and structural inspections — mastering these formulas is essential for FAA AMT certification.

Maintenance Forms & Records(16)

FAA Form 337 Major Repair and Alteration

FAA Form 337 documents major repairs and alterations to aircraft, engines, propellers, and appliances, serving as the official record and approval for return to service under 14 CFR Part 43.

Return to Service Endorsement by Authorized Persons

A Return to Service (RTS) endorsement documents that an aircraft or component has been properly inspected or repaired and is airworthy; only FAA-authorized persons may sign it, and a missing or improper endorsement makes the flight illegal.

Maintenance Record Entry Requirements (14 CFR 43.9)

14 CFR 43.9 mandates specific content in every maintenance record entry — description of work, date, certificate type/number, and signature — ensuring airworthiness accountability for every aircraft maintenance action.

Airworthiness Directive Compliance Recording

Airworthiness Directives are legally mandatory FAA safety orders; every AMT must know exactly how to document AD compliance so that records are accurate, complete, and legally defensible.

Annual Inspection Sign-Off and Logbook Entries

Annual inspections must be properly documented in the aircraft records by an authorized inspector; a correct logbook entry or maintenance record sign-off is both a legal and safety requirement under 14 CFR Part 43.

100-Hour Inspection Documentation Requirements

The 100-hour inspection is a regulatory requirement for certain commercially operated aircraft, and proper documentation in the maintenance records is just as critical as the inspection itself.

Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) Work Order Records

An Approved Maintenance Organization's work order records document every inspection, repair, and alteration performed on an aircraft, forming the legal paper trail required by 14 CFR Part 145 and Part 43.

Progressive Inspection Program Record Keeping

A progressive inspection program lets operators spread a complete annual inspection across multiple visits; proper record keeping is mandatory under 14 CFR Part 43 and must document every phase, interval, and finding to satisfy the FAA.

Aircraft Maintenance Logbooks vs. Aircraft Records

Aircraft maintenance logbooks and official records serve distinct legal purposes; understanding the difference is essential for any AMT to ensure airworthiness compliance and avoid regulatory violations.

Approved Data References in Maintenance Records

FAA-approved data must support every maintenance action, and knowing which sources qualify—and how to document them—is essential for any AMT seeking airworthiness compliance.

FAA Form 8010-4 Malfunction or Defect Report

FAA Form 8010-4 allows aviation mechanics and pilots to voluntarily report aircraft malfunctions and defects, helping the FAA identify safety trends and issue airworthiness directives before failures become accidents.

Retention and Availability Requirements for Maintenance Records

FAA regulations require specific aircraft and maintenance records to be retained for defined periods and kept available for inspection — knowing exactly which records, how long, and by whom is essential for every AMT.

Rebuilder Records and Zero-Time Engine Logbooks

When an FAA-certificated rebuilder restores an aircraft engine to zero-time status, specific logbook entries and paperwork are required — distinct from overhaul records — and understanding the difference is critical for AMT certification exams.

Owner Notification and Signature Requirements for Major Alterations

Major alterations to certificated aircraft require specific FAA Form 337 documentation, return-to-service signatures, and — critically — written notification to the aircraft owner before the altered aircraft may be flown.

Electronic Maintenance Recordkeeping Acceptance and Limitations

Electronic maintenance recordkeeping offers efficiency gains but carries strict FAA acceptance criteria and limitations that every AMT must understand before signing off a digital entry.

Inspection Authorization (IA) Holder Record-Keeping Obligations

Inspection Authorization holders must maintain specific records of all annual and progressive inspections performed, preserving them for at least two years and making them available for FAA review on demand.

Ground Operation & Servicing(16)

Aircraft Towing Procedures and Precautions

Aircraft towing is a safety-critical ground operation requiring strict procedural adherence to prevent structural damage, runway incursions, and personnel injury during repositioning of aircraft on the ramp or in hangars.

Aircraft Parking and Mooring Techniques

Proper aircraft parking and mooring prevent structural damage and accidents on the ground — covering chocking, tie-down procedures, control locks, and hazard awareness every AMT must master.

Chocking and Wheel Chock Placement

Proper chock placement prevents unintended aircraft movement on the ground, protecting personnel, equipment, and the aircraft itself during maintenance and servicing operations.

Aircraft Fuel Contamination Identification and Prevention

Aircraft fuel contamination—water, sediment, wrong fuel type, and microbial growth—is a leading cause of preventable engine failures; AMTs must know how to detect, prevent, and respond to each threat.

Aircraft Jacking Safety and Jack Point Identification

Safe jacking of aircraft requires identifying approved jack points, following load limits, and using correct procedures to prevent structural damage or catastrophic collapse during maintenance.

Leveling an Aircraft for Maintenance

Leveling an aircraft is a fundamental maintenance procedure that establishes a precise reference datum for rigging, alignment, weighing, and inspection — and doing it wrong invalidates every measurement that follows.

Ground Support Equipment Operation and Safety

Ground support equipment (GSE) keeps aircraft serviced and ready between flights, but improper use causes serious injuries and aircraft damage — every AMT must know correct operation and hazard controls.

Fire Safety During Ground Fueling Operations

Ground fueling operations present serious fire and explosion hazards; AMTs must follow strict bonding, grounding, and safety protocols to protect aircraft, personnel, and facilities.

Aircraft Hydraulic Servicing Ground Procedures

Aircraft hydraulic system servicing requires strict contamination control, correct fluid identification, and precise pressure and fluid-level checks to ensure flight-critical system integrity.

Aviation Fuel Types and Color-Coding Standards

Aviation fuels are strictly typed, color-coded, and grade-marked to prevent misfueling accidents; understanding AVGAS and Jet-A differences is essential for every AMT and line technician.

Tire Inflation and Nitrogen Servicing Procedures

Proper tire inflation and nitrogen servicing are critical for aircraft safety; over- or under-inflation accelerates wear and can cause blowouts, while nitrogen prevents moisture-related corrosion and pressure fluctuations inside wheel assemblies.

Defueling and Fuel Sampling Procedures

Defueling and fuel sampling are critical AMT tasks that prevent fuel contamination and ensure aircraft airworthiness; improper procedures can introduce fire hazards or allow contaminated fuel into engines.

Static Electricity and Bonding During Fueling

Static electricity buildup during aircraft fueling can ignite fuel vapors; proper bonding and grounding procedures eliminate the voltage difference that causes dangerous sparks.

Aircraft Oxygen System Servicing and Handling

Aircraft oxygen systems demand precise servicing procedures and strict safety protocols; improper handling of high-pressure oxygen can cause fires, explosions, or hypoxia — making correct AMT technique a life-safety issue.

Engine Oil Servicing Types and Specifications

Aircraft engine oil servicing requires selecting the correct oil type and viscosity grade per manufacturer specifications — using the wrong oil can cause engine damage, voided warranties, or catastrophic failure.

Ramp Safety and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Prevention

Ramp safety and FOD prevention are critical AMT responsibilities that protect aircraft, engines, and personnel from debris-related damage and ground operation hazards.

Mechanic Privileges & Regulations(16)

FAA Certificated Mechanic Privileges and Limitations Under 14 CFR Part 65

FAA certificated mechanics hold specific privileges to inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft under 14 CFR Part 65, but face firm limitations—including no authority to approve their own work or exercise privileges while impaired.

Supervised Work by Uncertificated Persons Under AMT Supervision

Uncertificated persons may legally perform aircraft maintenance tasks when directly supervised by a certificated AMT, but strict regulatory boundaries govern what work qualifies and how supervision must be conducted.

Returning Aircraft to Service After Maintenance: Logbook Signoff Requirements

After completing maintenance, an FAA-certificated mechanic must make a specific logbook entry and approve the aircraft for return to service — a legal requirement under 14 CFR Part 43 that protects airworthiness and defines mechanic accountability.

Inspection Authorization (IA) Privileges and Requirements

An Inspection Authorization (IA) grants eligible A&P mechanics the authority to conduct annual inspections and approve major repairs/alterations for return to service under 14 CFR Part 65.

Prohibition on Mechanics Approving Their Own Inspections

A certificated mechanic may perform maintenance and approve work for return to service, but FAA regulations strictly prohibit a mechanic from both performing and then independently approving an inspection of their own work — a critical safeguard for aviation safety.

Airframe and Powerplant Rating Scope of Work Differences

An Airframe certificate and a Powerplant certificate each grant distinct, legally defined privileges under 14 CFR Part 65 — understanding exactly what each rating covers (and what it does not) is essential for every AMT.

Progressive Inspection Program Mechanic Responsibilities

A progressive inspection program lets operators spread an aircraft's annual inspection over multiple visits; mechanics must understand their specific legal duties, recordkeeping obligations, and the regulatory boundaries that govern participation.

Annual Inspection vs. 100-Hour Inspection Authority

Annual and 100-hour inspections share identical scope, but only an A&P mechanic with Inspection Authorization may sign off an annual — while any certificated A&P can perform and return a 100-hour aircraft to service.

Recent Experience Requirements for Mechanics: 90-Day Rule Explained

14 CFR Part 65 requires certificated mechanics to have performed work within the past 90 days to exercise their privileges; this article explains exactly what that means and why it matters.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements for Aviation Mechanics

Aviation mechanics working for FAA-regulated employers must comply with strict DOT/FAA drug and alcohol testing rules under 14 CFR Part 120, covering pre-employment, random, post-accident, and other test categories.

FAA Civil Penalty and Certificate Action Process for Mechanics

When an aviation mechanic violates FAA regulations, the agency can respond with civil penalties, certificate suspension, or revocation — understanding this process helps AMTs protect their certificates and their careers.

Mechanic Certificate Duration, Renewal, and Currency Requirements

A mechanic certificate never expires, but exercising its privileges legally requires current experience and a valid inspection authorization—here's exactly what 14 CFR Part 65 demands.

Mechanic Responsibility for Airworthiness of Completed Work

Aviation mechanics bear direct regulatory responsibility for the airworthiness of their completed work under 14 CFR Part 65, and understanding these obligations is essential for both the FAA knowledge test and safe maintenance practice.

Maintenance Record Entries: Required Content and Mechanic Signature Standards

FAA regulations require specific content in maintenance records and mandate that certificated mechanics sign entries with their certificate number—errors or omissions can ground aircraft and jeopardize certificates.

Operating Limitations and Placards: Mechanic Responsibility After Maintenance

After completing maintenance, an AMT must ensure aircraft operating limitations and placards are current, correct, and properly displayed — a legal obligation, not just a courtesy.

Fraudulent or Intentionally False Maintenance Record Entries

Making a fraudulent or intentionally false entry in a maintenance record is a serious federal violation that can end an AMT's career and compromise aviation safety — learn what the rules say and what's at stake.

Physics for Aviation(16)

Bernoulli's Principle and Venturi Effect in Aircraft Systems

Bernoulli's Principle explains how increasing fluid velocity decreases pressure, a relationship that underlies lift generation, carburetor operation, and many other critical aircraft systems.

Newton's Three Laws of Motion Applied to Aircraft

Newton's three laws of motion form the physical foundation of flight — understanding inertia, force-acceleration relationships, and action-reaction pairs explains how aircraft accelerate, maneuver, and how thrust works.

Potential Energy and Kinetic Energy in Aviation Context

Potential and kinetic energy are the two foundational mechanical energy forms that govern how aircraft climb, descend, accelerate, and maneuver — understanding both is essential for every aviation maintenance technician.

Stress and Strain in Aircraft Structures

Stress and strain describe how aircraft materials respond to applied forces — understanding both is essential for building, inspecting, and maintaining safe airframes.

Thermal Expansion and Contraction of Aircraft Materials

Aircraft materials expand when heated and contract when cooled; understanding coefficients of thermal expansion is essential for safe assembly, inspection, and maintenance of airframes, engines, and systems.

Gas Laws: Boyle's Law, Charles's Law, and Gay-Lussac's Law for Aviation

Boyle's, Charles's, and Gay-Lussac's Laws describe how pressure, volume, and temperature interact in gases — essential knowledge for understanding aircraft pneumatic systems, tires, oxygen systems, and engine performance.

Friction: Static, Sliding, and Rolling in Aircraft Systems

Static, sliding, and rolling friction each behave differently and directly affect aircraft braking, landing gear, control cables, and engine components — understanding all three is essential for safe maintenance decisions.

Principles of Simple Machines and Mechanical Advantage in Aircraft

Simple machines—levers, pulleys, inclined planes, wedges, screws, and wheel-and-axle systems—form the mechanical foundation of aircraft control systems and tools; understanding their mechanical advantage is essential for every AMT.

Centrifugal Force and Centripetal Force in Rotating Aircraft Components

Centripetal and centrifugal forces govern the behavior of every spinning component in an aircraft—from propellers to turbine discs—and understanding them is essential for safe maintenance and FAA knowledge test success.

Density and Specific Gravity of Aviation Fluids

Density and specific gravity are fundamental fluid properties that every aviation maintenance technician must understand to correctly identify, handle, and work with aircraft fluids from fuel to hydraulic oil.

Work, Power, and Torque in Aircraft Powerplants

Work, power, and torque are foundational physics concepts that govern how aircraft engines produce and transmit energy — understanding them is essential for every aviation maintenance technician.

Sound Waves, Frequency, and Vibration in Aviation Maintenance

Sound waves and vibration are fundamental physics concepts that aviation maintenance technicians must master to diagnose engine problems, perform NDT inspections, and understand structural fatigue — all grounded in FAA AMT principles.

Pressure Measurement: Absolute, Gauge, and Differential in Aviation

Aviation maintenance technicians must master three pressure measurement types—absolute, gauge, and differential—because engines, airframes, and instruments each demand the correct reference for safe, accurate readings.

Heat Transfer: Conduction, Convection, and Radiation in Aircraft

Aircraft structures and systems manage heat through three mechanisms—conduction, convection, and radiation—each of which AMT candidates must understand to diagnose thermal problems and maintain safe, efficient aircraft.

Fluid Dynamics: Laminar vs Turbulent Flow in Aircraft Fuel and Hydraulic Systems

Laminar and turbulent flow behave very differently in aircraft fuel and hydraulic lines, directly affecting system efficiency, pressure loss, and component life — understanding both is essential for every AMT.

Gyroscopic Precession and Rigidity in Space for Aviation Instruments

Gyroscopic precession and rigidity in space are the two fundamental properties that make gyroscope-based flight instruments — attitude indicators, heading indicators, and turn coordinators — reliable and accurate in flight.

Inspection Concepts & Techniques(16)

Visual Inspection Techniques for Aircraft Structures

Visual inspection is the foundational skill every AMT must master — learn the systematic methods, lighting techniques, and defect recognition cues that keep aircraft structurally airworthy.

Dye Penetrant Inspection Procedure and Interpretation

Dye penetrant inspection is a non-destructive testing method used to detect surface-breaking defects in non-porous materials by applying a colored or fluorescent dye, allowing it to seep into cracks, then removing the excess and applying a developer to reveal discontinuities.

Magnetic Particle Inspection Principles and Applications

Magnetic particle inspection (MPI) is a non-destructive testing method that reveals surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic aircraft components by attracting fine magnetic particles to flux-leakage fields at defect sites.

Eddy Current Inspection Theory and Usage in Aviation

Eddy current inspection is a non-destructive testing method that detects surface and near-surface flaws in conductive materials by inducing electromagnetic currents and analyzing their disruption—critical for aviation structural integrity checks.

Ultrasonic Inspection Methods for Aircraft Components

Ultrasonic inspection uses high-frequency sound waves to detect internal and surface flaws in aircraft components without disassembly, making it one of the most powerful nondestructive testing methods in aviation maintenance.

Radiographic Inspection (X-Ray) in Aviation Maintenance

Radiographic inspection uses X-ray or gamma-ray energy to reveal internal flaws invisible to the naked eye, making it one of aviation maintenance's most powerful non-destructive testing methods.

Coin Tap Test for Delamination and Debonding Detection

The coin tap test is a simple, effective non-destructive inspection technique used by AMTs to detect hidden delamination and debonding in composite and honeycomb aircraft structures by listening for acoustic changes when tapping the surface.

Torque Seal and Witness Mark Usage in Inspection

Torque seal (lacquer) and witness marks are quick-visual inspection tools that let mechanics and inspectors confirm fasteners have not loosened or moved since they were last serviced.

Aircraft Structural Repair Manual (SRM) Inspection Criteria

The Structural Repair Manual (SRM) defines legally binding damage limits and repair procedures for certified aircraft structures; AMTs must understand how to locate, read, and apply SRM inspection criteria to keep airframes airworthy.

Fluorescent Penetrant vs Visible Dye Penetrant Comparison

Fluorescent and visible dye penetrant inspections both reveal surface cracks in non-porous materials, but differ critically in sensitivity, equipment needs, and FAA-approved applications for aviation maintenance.

Borescope Inspection Techniques for Internal Engine Components

Borescope inspection lets technicians visually examine internal engine components—cylinders, turbine blades, combustion chambers—without disassembly, making it a critical non-destructive testing tool for AMTs.

Inspection of Safety Wiring and Cotter Pin Installations

Safety wiring and cotter pins are critical locking devices that prevent fastener loosening; AMT candidates must know correct installation methods, inspection criteria, and common failure patterns recognized during maintenance checks.

NDT Inspector Qualification and Certification Requirements (NAS 410)

NAS 410 defines the qualification and certification levels for NDT inspectors—Level I, II, and III—setting the training, experience, and examination requirements aviation maintenance technicians must meet before performing or certifying nondestructive tests.

Defect Identification: Cracks, Corrosion, and Fatigue Indicators

Aviation maintenance technicians must reliably identify cracks, corrosion, and fatigue indicators during inspections to ensure structural integrity; this article covers detection methods, failure mechanisms, and FAA-grounded inspection standards.

Required Inspection Items (RII) and Inspector Authorization

Required Inspection Items (RII) are specific maintenance tasks on air carriers where FAA regulations mandate a second, qualified inspector must approve the work before return to service—understanding RII and Inspector Authorization is essential for AMT certification and safe airline operations.

Inspection of Composite Structures for Damage Assessment

Composite structures require specialized inspection methods—visual, tap-test, and NDT—because damage such as delamination and disbonds is often invisible to the untrained eye yet critically weakens the structure.

Explanations are original summaries grounded in the public-domain FAA handbooks and cite their source. They are study aids, not a substitute for the official handbooks or regulations.