Available courses

Airman Certification Standards (ACS)

The FAA-S-ACS-1, Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards (mechanic ACS) is the testing standard for mechanic written, oral, and practical tests.

The mechanic ACS is divided into 3 tests/sections (General, Airframe, and Powerplant) which list the knowledge, risk management, and skill elements that a mechanic applicant must know or demonstrate during the oral and or practical test.

The general test/section is required to be taken/passed to obtain either the airframe or powerplant rating.

The testing standard contains the following number of subject areas in each test area:

  • General - 12
  • Airframe - 15
  • Powerplant - 13
Airman Certification Standards(ACS) The FAA's implementation of part 147 will change the testing standards for mechanic certificates and ratings. The Mechanic Practical Test Standards (Mechanic PTS) will be used until July 31, 2023. After that date, the FAA will use the Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards (Mechanic ACS) as the standards for conducting mechanic tests.
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Practical Projects Preparation

The mechanic practical test (General, Airframe, and Powerplant) includes a random sampling of the subject areas in the testing standard. To perform well on the practical projects exam, it's important to incorporate your past experience and skills to the fullest extent. Familiarize yourself with FAA publications to accurately identify the projects listed in the exam.

The practical test consists of the following number of practical projects:

  • General – 9
  • Airframe – 11
  • Powerplant – 11

Additionally, each practical project consists of a skill demonstration and two oral practical questions, related to the project.

The practical test is passed when the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates 70% of the practical projects tested.

If you can answer the following sample questions, complete the practical projects and know how they relate to other questions, answers and projects in the the subject area, you should be ready to complete the exam.


References:

FAA Handbooks Textbooks
AMG Texbook
AMA Texbook
AMP Texbook
AC 43.13
FAA-H-8083-1B Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook
Companion Guide to the Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards
Plane Sense General Aviation Information