FAA A&P Mechanic study plan
FAA A&P Mechanic · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Powerplant
Describe the four-stroke reciprocating engine cycle and identify the components that carry out each stroke
Differentiate between horizontally opposed, radial, and inline engine configurations by cylinder arrangement and firing order
Explain the purpose and inspection points of the lubrication system, including oil pumps, coolers, and filters
Identify the maintenance record entries and inspection requirements triggered by an engine oil system component replacement
Your checkpoint
Draw and label a complete reciprocating engine lubrication system diagram from memory, then grade it against your own notes to reach at least 90% of labeled components correct
Powerplant
Trace the induction and exhaust airflow path on both carbureted and fuel-injected reciprocating engines
Compute fuel-air mixture ratios and explain how carburetor ice forms under varying temperature and humidity conditions
Explain cooling system airflow and cylinder head temperature control, including cowl flap function
Describe magneto operation and the sequence of events in an ignition system check
Your checkpoint
Write a 12-question self-quiz on induction, exhaust, cooling, and ignition, answer it closed-book, and score at least 10 of 12 before moving on
Powerplant
Differentiate turbojet, turbofan, and turboprop engines by airflow path and thrust production method
Identify turbine engine hot section components and the inspection criteria used to judge their condition
Explain propeller blade angle, pitch, and the operational difference between fixed-pitch and constant-speed propellers
Describe starting system and engine electrical component functions on both reciprocating and turbine installations
Your checkpoint
Produce a two-column comparison sheet covering turbine versus reciprocating engine systems in at least 8 categories, each with a one-sentence operational difference you can explain aloud without notes
Powerplant & General
Summarize the powerplant knowledge areas you have covered so far into a single reference outline
Explain the privileges and limitations of a mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings
Identify the maintenance record entries required after an engine component is replaced
Solve powerplant calculation problems involving fuel consumption, horsepower, and engine displacement
Your checkpoint
Complete a timed 50-question powerplant practice set and score at least 80%, logging every missed item with the reason for the error
General
Solve weight and balance problems for aircraft with and without alterations, computing empty weight, arm, and center of gravity
Apply basic physics and math principles to mechanical advantage, stress, and fluid pressure problems
Interpret aircraft drawings, including lines, symbols, and dimensioning conventions
Identify corrosion types and match each to an inspection and treatment method
Your checkpoint
Complete a weight and balance worksheet with 5 solved problems showing all steps, plus a corrosion identification table covering at least 6 corrosion types
General & Airframe
Describe aircraft ground handling and safety procedures, including jacking, tie-down, and fueling precautions
Explain materials and processes topics, including heat treatment, nondestructive inspection methods, and hardware selection
Summarize basic electrical theory as applied to aircraft circuits, including Ohm's law calculations and wire sizing
Identify sheet metal structural repair principles and rivet layout requirements
Your checkpoint
Build a one-page quick-reference sheet of formulas and rules of thumb for weight and balance, Ohm's law, and sheet metal rivet spacing, then use it to answer 15 mixed General questions with at least 12 correct
Airframe
Trace hydraulic and pneumatic system flow from reservoir through pumps, valves, and actuators
Explain landing gear operation, including retraction systems, steering, brakes, and warning indicators
Diagnose common airframe electrical and rigging faults by matching symptoms to likely causes
Describe aircraft finish and covering inspection criteria, including fabric and composite condition assessment
Your checkpoint
Create a symptom-to-cause diagnostic table with at least 10 airframe system faults and verify each entry against your study notes, correcting any entry you cannot justify
Airframe & General & Powerplant
Reconcile all missed practice questions from weeks 4 through 7 and restate the correcting principle for each
Complete full-length timed practice sets for Airframe, General, and Powerplant in that order of emphasis
Recite inspection and documentation requirements that apply across all three knowledge areas
Identify remaining weak areas and create a final-week targeted review list of no more than 10 items
Your checkpoint
Score at least 85% on a full-length practice set for each of the three knowledge areas and submit a written list of remaining weak items with a stated review action for each
Milestones
Week 2: Closed-book powerplant systems quiz scored at 10 of 12 or better; any missed item restated correctly in writing
Week 4: Timed 50-question powerplant practice set scored at 80% or higher with an error log completed
Week 6: Mixed General and Airframe question set scored at 80% or higher, and the one-page formula reference sheet completed
Week 8: Full-length practice sets for all three knowledge areas each scored at 85% or higher, with a final weak-item action list written