General Flashcards
Foundational knowledge every A&P mechanic needs: mathematics, physics, regulations, materials, and basic maintenance practices.
14 flashcard topics covering the General section of the FAA A&P exam. Each topic includes sample flashcards, study tips, and a FAQ section.
Aviation Mathematics Flashcards
Aviation mathematics forms the foundation of nearly every calculation an aircraft mechanic performs. From determining the area of a wing surface to computing weight and balance shifts, the ability to work confidently with numbers is essential for both passing the FAA A&P written exam and performing day-to-day maintenance tasks safely.
Basic Physics Flashcards
Basic physics explains how aircraft systems behave under real-world conditions. As an A&P mechanic, you apply physics principles constantly — whether you are torquing a bolt, understanding hydraulic pressure, diagnosing an electrical fault, or explaining why an airfoil generates lift.
Aircraft Drawings Flashcards
Aircraft drawings are the universal language of aviation maintenance. Whether you are fabricating a replacement part, installing a modification, or verifying dimensions during an inspection, the ability to interpret engineering drawings accurately is a core mechanic skill.
Weight and Balance Flashcards
Weight and balance is one of the most critical subjects in aviation maintenance. An aircraft that is overweight or whose center of gravity is outside approved limits may be uncontrollable or structurally overloaded. Every mechanic who modifies, repairs, or reconfigures an aircraft must understand how to calculate and verify weight and balance.
Fluid Lines and Fittings Flashcards
Aircraft rely on rigid and flexible fluid lines to carry fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, oxygen, and other critical fluids throughout the airframe and engine. Understanding the types of fittings, their identification systems, and proper installation practices is essential for safe maintenance.
Hand Tools Flashcards
Hand tools are the everyday instruments of aircraft maintenance. While the concepts are familiar, the FAA exam tests specific knowledge about tool selection, proper use, and safety practices that go beyond general mechanical knowledge. Understanding when to use an open-end versus a box-end wrench, how to properly torque fasteners, and how to apply safety wire is essential.
Precision Measuring Tools Flashcards
Precision measuring tools allow mechanics to verify that components meet the exact tolerances specified by manufacturers. A measurement error of one-thousandth of an inch can mean the difference between an airworthy part and one that must be rejected. The ability to read micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators is fundamental to aircraft inspection and repair.
Cleaning and Corrosion Flashcards
Corrosion is one of the greatest enemies of aircraft structures. Left unchecked, it can weaken structural members, compromise system integrity, and lead to catastrophic failures. Every A&P mechanic must be able to identify corrosion types, understand their causes, apply proper treatment methods, and implement preventive measures.
Materials and Processes Flashcards
Aircraft structures are built from specific materials selected for their strength-to-weight ratios, fatigue resistance, and corrosion properties. Understanding how these materials are processed — heat treated, formed, joined, and inspected — is essential for performing repairs that maintain structural integrity.
Ground Operations Flashcards
Ground operations encompass all the activities that keep an aircraft safe and functional while on the ground — from towing and taxiing to fueling, servicing, and fire protection. Mechanics must understand these procedures to prevent damage to the aircraft and injury to personnel.
Human Factors Flashcards
Human factors are the leading cause of aviation maintenance errors. Studies consistently show that the majority of maintenance-related incidents trace back to human performance issues — fatigue, stress, complacency, poor communication, and lack of resources — rather than lack of technical knowledge.
Maintenance Forms Flashcards
Maintenance documentation is the legal record of work performed on an aircraft. Proper documentation protects the mechanic, the aircraft owner, and future maintenance personnel by providing a complete history of inspections, repairs, and modifications. Inadequate documentation can render an aircraft unairworthy, even if the work was performed correctly.
Federal Aviation Regulations Flashcards
The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) govern every aspect of aviation maintenance. As an A&P mechanic, you must understand the regulations that define your privileges and limitations, the maintenance standards you must follow, and the documentation requirements that keep aircraft legally airworthy.
Electricity Fundamentals Flashcards
Electricity powers nearly every system on a modern aircraft, from navigation instruments to engine controls and cabin lighting. Understanding electrical fundamentals — voltage, current, resistance, and circuit types — is essential for troubleshooting and maintaining aircraft electrical systems.
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