FAA Aviation Mechanic - Airframe (AMA) study plan

Label the major components of a hydraulic power system (reservoir, pump, accumulator, pressure regulator, selector valve, actuator) and state the function of each

Trace fluid flow through a landing-gear retraction and extension cycle and identify where sequence valves, downlocks, and squat switches act

Compare open-center, closed-center, and power-pushoff hydraulic systems by describing pressure behavior at neutral and the effect on pump loading

Calculate actuator extension force and speed from system pressure, piston area, and pump flow rate

Identify DC and AC power system components and explain the role of the bus, generator or alternator, voltage regulator, and overvoltage protection

Solve series, parallel, and series-parallel circuit problems for total resistance and current, and select a wire size from a load-current chart

Describe the layout and purpose of fuel tanks, boost pumps, selector valves, vents, drains, and quantity indicating systems

Distinguish the indications of common fuel and electrical malfunctions and state the corrective action for each

Describe rigging and travel-limit checks for primary and secondary flight controls, including cable tension and turnbuckle safetying

Explain cabin pressurization and air-cycle cooling operation, defining outflow valve, differential pressure, and cabin altitude

Classify ice and rain protection systems as thermal, pneumatic boot, or weeping wing, and state the failure modes of each

Match warning, indicating, and fire detection/protection components to their function and inspection points

Close each Domain 2 gap recorded in the Weeks 1-3 error log by re-testing it until answered correctly twice

Identify structural members of a semimonocoque fuselage and wing and state the load type each carries (tension, compression, shear, bending, torsion)

Explain the function of stringers, longerons, frames, bulkheads, ribs, and skin in carrying and distributing loads

Describe how stress concentrations, cracks, and deformation are recognized during a structural inspection

Sequence the steps to install a solid rivet: hole sizing, deburring, hole condition, grip length, and driven-head formation

Select rivet type, diameter, and pitch for a given joint using maintenance-manual and AC 43.13-1B guidance

Classify corrosion types (galvanic, intergranular, exfoliation, stress, filiform) and state the removal and treatment method for each

Lay out a flush patch repair and calculate edge distance, rivet spacing, and fastener count for a doubler

Compare acceptable repair methods for bonded honeycomb, composite laminate, and fabric-covered structures

Distinguish acceptable from rejectable welds on tubular steel structures and state the inspection method used for each

Explain the alignment and rigging checks for wings, stabilizers, and control surfaces after repair or replacement

Identify common hardware items (AN and MS fittings, turnbuckles, cable terminals, control cables) and state their inspection and rejection criteria

Interpret airworthiness directives and service bulletins and determine applicability, compliance method, and recordkeeping for each

Describe required entries and forms for maintenance, preventive maintenance, and annual or 100-hour inspections, including logbook entries and FAA Form 337

Explain the conformity and airworthiness inspection process applied to an altered or repaired aircraft

Select the appropriate inspection method (visual, dimensional, eddy current, dye penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic) for typical airframe inspection items

Take two full-length timed practice exams under test-day conditions and score 85% or better on each

Re-drill every item in the Weeks 1-7 error log until each is answered correctly twice without notes

Recite from memory the inspection, records, and return-to-service requirements with no reference material

Rank remaining weak areas by practice-exam frequency and close the top three before test day