A&P Practical Exam Study Guide
The A&P practical exam is the hands-on portion of your certification, where you must demonstrate your ability to perform actual maintenance tasks under the supervision of a DME. Unlike the written and oral exams, the practical requires physical skills — using tools correctly, following procedures precisely, and producing airworthy results.
The DME will assign you specific tasks from the FAA Practical Test Standards, such as safety wiring a bolt, checking cylinder compression, timing a magneto, or fabricating a fluid line. You must complete each task to industry standards, using proper tools, following approved procedures, and demonstrating safe work practices throughout.
What to Expect on the Practical Exam
The practical exam typically takes 4-8 hours, depending on how many sections you are testing. The DME selects tasks from the Practical Test Standards for each subject area. You may be asked to perform a task from start to finish (e.g., remove and inspect a spark plug) or demonstrate a specific skill (e.g., apply safety wire to a fastener). The DME evaluates your tool selection, technique, safety practices, and the quality of your finished work.
Common Practical Exam Tasks
Tasks you may be asked to perform include: safety wiring and cotter key installation, spark plug inspection and gap checking, magneto timing (internal and E-gap), compression testing, fluid line fabrication and installation, sheet metal riveting, inspection of components for wear or damage, use of precision measuring tools (micrometer, caliper), and weight and balance calculations. Each task has specific pass/fail criteria defined in the Practical Test Standards.
How to Prepare for the Practical
The practical exam cannot be passed through study alone — you need hands-on practice. Work with your school or employer to practice the common tasks listed above until you can perform them confidently and correctly. Use interactive simulations to understand the theory behind each task, then practice the physical skills. Pay attention to proper tool selection, sequence of operations, and safety procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The DME selects tasks from the FAA Practical Test Standards. Common tasks include safety wiring, spark plug servicing, magneto timing, compression testing, fluid line fabrication, riveting, precision measuring, and weight and balance calculations. The specific tasks vary, but they cover the major skills expected of an A&P mechanic.