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FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Airframe Knowledge Test Practice Test

The FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Airframe Knowledge Test (AMA) covers airframe structures and systems, including fuel, flight controls, landing gear, brakes, cabin pressurization, and aircraft windows. Its subject matter includes how components function, how systems interact, and what technicians inspect or verify during maintenance.

Exam overview

Exam providerFederal Aviation Administration
Exam codeAMA
CategoryAviation

About the FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Airframe Knowledge Test Exam

Airframe maintenance requires recognizing component functions and applying safe inspection and servicing practices. Technicians must understand fluid-system devices such as filters and check valves, identify the roles of linkage bushings and bonding jumpers, and assess assemblies such as torque links and wheel brakes. Knowledge of pressurization helps explain how an outflow valve regulates cabin air, while understanding air-cooled engine baffles supports assessment of cooling airflow. Structural concepts such as wing dihedral and thermal clearance around windows also matter when inspecting or installing components. Practice with these ideas by explaining the purpose of each part, tracing what a failure or incorrect installation could affect, and identifying checks that help confirm an assembly is ready for service.

Sample Practice Questions

Review a selection from this exam's published US Practice Tests practice bank.

Question 1

What is the principal function of a fuel strainer or filter in an aircraft fuel system?

  1. ATo increase fuel octane rating
  2. BTo remove contaminants that could obstruct fuel-system components
  3. CTo cool the fuel before it reaches the engine
  4. DTo measure fuel quantity in the tanks
Show answerCorrect answer: B

Fuel strainers and filters trap debris and other contaminants that could interfere with valves, metering units, or other fuel-system components. They do not change fuel grade or measure quantity.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a bonding jumper between two aircraft components?

  1. ATo provide electrical continuity across a joint that might otherwise have excessive resistance
  2. BTo increase the mechanical strength of the joint in every direction
  3. CTo prevent the components from expanding when heated
  4. DTo serve as a substitute for all structural fasteners
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A bonding jumper helps maintain electrical continuity between components, supporting functions such as static charge dissipation and reliable electrical paths. It is not a structural fastener or a thermal restraint.

Question 3

In a typical pressurized-aircraft cabin, what is the function of an outflow valve?

  1. ATo regulate cabin pressure by controlling the rate at which air leaves the cabin
  2. BTo supply oxygen directly to every passenger
  3. CTo increase engine compressor speed during descent
  4. DTo prevent all ventilation air from entering the cabin
Show answerCorrect answer: A

The outflow valve regulates the discharge of cabin air, helping control cabin pressure when the pressurization system supplies air. Its operation is coordinated with the aircraft's pressure-control system.

Question 4

Why is a bushing often installed in a control-system linkage bearing hole?

  1. ATo provide a replaceable bearing surface and reduce wear on the linkage member
  2. BTo increase the electrical conductivity of the linkage
  3. CTo lock the linkage permanently against movement
  4. DTo prevent the linkage from expanding when heated
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A bushing provides a bearing surface for relative movement and can be replaced when worn, helping protect the more costly linkage component from wear.

Question 5

What is the main purpose of a landing-gear torque link, also called a scissors link, on a strut-type gear assembly?

  1. ATo prevent the inner and outer strut members from rotating relative to each other
  2. BTo regulate hydraulic pressure in the wheel brakes
  3. CTo retract the landing gear electrically
  4. DTo absorb all landing impact energy independently of the strut
Show answerCorrect answer: A

The torque link connects the sliding portions of a strut assembly and prevents relative rotation while allowing the strut to telescope. It also helps maintain wheel alignment as designed.

Question 6

What does a check valve generally do in an aircraft fluid system?

  1. AAllows flow in one direction while restricting reverse flow
  2. BMaintains a constant fluid temperature
  3. CMeasures the fluid's electrical conductivity
  4. DConverts fluid flow into a radio signal
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A check valve is designed to permit flow in one direction and prevent or limit flow in the opposite direction, helping maintain the intended system flow path.

Question 7

After servicing a wheel brake assembly, what is an appropriate first check before returning the aircraft to service?

  1. AVerify the assembly and connections are correctly installed, then perform the applicable operational and leak checks
  2. BApply grease to the brake disc friction surfaces
  3. CAssume the brake is serviceable if the wheel turns freely
  4. DIncrease tire pressure beyond the specified limit to test the brake
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Correct installation and the prescribed operational checks help confirm proper brake function and identify leaks or other problems. Friction surfaces should not be contaminated, and tire pressure must remain within applicable limits.

How to use this practice test

The free practice bank contains 50 published questions. Each session presents up to 20 questions selected at random, with results shown after the session. Use a session to check your understanding of airframe component functions and maintenance decisions, then revisit missed concepts by tracing how the relevant system operates.

Preparation tips

  • Sketch a basic aircraft fuel-system flow path and note where a strainer or filter can prevent contamination from reaching downstream components.
  • Compare check valves, outflow valves, and fuel filters by the system function each performs; avoid treating all three as interchangeable flow-control devices.
  • Review landing-gear torque-link and flight-control linkage purposes, then connect each part to the movement or alignment it supports.
  • For window installation and brake servicing, identify the damage-prevention or inspection check needed before the aircraft returns to service.
  • Relate air-cooled engine baffles to airflow and wing dihedral to wing geometry, using a simple labeled sketch for each.
Official sourceOfficial exam page ↗