Maintenance Publications
The publications domain tests whether you know which document controls a decision and whether it is approved data or merely acceptable data.
Hierarchy of authority. The Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) states certificated limits, placards, and required equipment for a model. Airworthiness Directives are mandatory and legally enforceable. The manufacturer's maintenance manual, structural repair manual, and illustrated parts catalog are the primary sources for procedures and parts. The POH/AFM is approved for operating limitations.
Advisory circulars. AC 43.13-1B covers methods, techniques, and practices for repairs and alterations; AC 43.13-2B covers alterations. These are acceptable data: the FAA accepts them, but a major repair or major alteration still needs approved data such as an STC, a DER repair, or manufacturer's data. AC 43.9-1 explains the record entries required by Part 43.
Service documents. Service bulletins and service letters are manufacturer recommendations; they are not mandatory unless an AD requires them or the operator's approved program adopts them.
Other references. FAA 8083-series handbooks are teaching texts, the FAR/AIM is regulatory, and ATA 100 numbering organizes chapters. AN, MS, and NAS prefixes identify standard hardware.
Traps. Questions bait you with the claim that AC 43.13-1B is approved data (it is acceptable) and that all service bulletins must be complied with (they need not be, absent an AD). Another favorite is assuming a generic handbook overrides the manufacturer's manual.