FAA Regulations FAQ for A&P Mechanics
The FAA regulations are one of the core subjects of the A&P General knowledge test, and they are often the part that gives candidates the most trouble — not because the rules are technically difficult, but because regulatory knowledge requires a different approach to studying. This FAQ covers everything you need to know about Airworthiness Directives, Service Bulletins, FAA Form 337, logbook entries, return to service, and how Sky License helps you pass with confidence.
Sky License Team
FAA A&P exam preparation specialists — helping mechanics earn their FAA certificate since 2025
Overview of the FAA Regulations
The FAA regulations are designed to ensure that every certificated mechanic in the United States understands the legal framework that governs aircraft maintenance. Unlike the airframe, powerplant, and electricity subjects — which test how aircraft systems work — the regulations subject tests what the law requires. This distinction is critical because, as a certificated mechanic, you will be legally responsible for making maintenance record entries, certifying that aircraft are fit for return to service, and ensuring AD compliance. The FAA needs to know that you can be trusted with this legal authority.
The exam draws from Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically the parts most relevant to aircraft maintenance. The Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards (ACS) published by the FAA defines the learning objectives for the regulations subject area. Topics include maintenance rules (Part 43), mechanic certification (Part 65), operating and inspection rules (Part 91), airworthiness directives (Part 39), and the accepted practices in AC 43.13-1B. The regulations questions appear primarily on the General knowledge test, but Part 43 and Part 91 requirements also appear in Airframe and Powerplant scenarios.
One of the key challenges of the regulations is the volume of material. The CFR runs to thousands of pages, and knowing which sections to focus on is essential for efficient study. The exam does not test every section — it focuses on the sections that directly relate to aircraft maintenance. This is why using a focused study tool like Sky License, which maps every practice question to the specific learning objectives in the ACS, can save you dozens of hours compared to reading the entire CFR cover to cover.
Another challenge is the precision required. A single word difference in a regulation can change its meaning entirely, and exam questions are carefully worded to test whether you understand these nuances. Terms like "shall" versus "may," "major repair" versus "minor repair," and "approval" versus "acceptance" all have distinct legal meanings. Sky License addresses this by including detailed explanations for every answer choice — not just why the correct answer is right, but why each incorrect option is wrong, often with direct regulatory references.
Understanding the Regulatory Framework
The regulations are administered by the FAA under the knowledge testing program delivered through PSI test centers across the country. The General knowledge test (AMG) consists of 60 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour time limit and a 70% pass mark. Questions are drawn from a large question bank, so no two exams are identical. The Airframe (AMA) and Powerplant (AMP) tests each consist of 100 questions with a 2-hour time limit and the same 70% pass mark.
The question types fall into three general categories. First, definition and recall questions test whether you know specific regulatory terms and section content. Second, application questions present a scenario and ask how the regulations apply. Third, reference questions require you to identify which regulation or standard applies to a given maintenance situation. Sky License simulates all three question types in its practice exams, with adaptive difficulty that adjusts as your performance improves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key FAA regulations for A&P mechanics?
Three parts of 14 CFR govern nearly everything an A&P mechanic does. 14 CFR Part 43 (Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration) defines who may perform maintenance, how it must be done, and how it must be recorded. 14 CFR Part 65 Subpart D (Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers) establishes the mechanic certificate, ratings, experience, and privileges. 14 CFR Part 91 (General Operating and Flight Rules) sets the inspection intervals and record-keeping requirements — including the annual inspection (91.409(a)) and the 100-hour inspection (91.409(b)). Supporting rules include Part 39 (Airworthiness Directives), Part 145 (repair stations), and Part 147 (aviation maintenance technician schools). On Sky License, the General module covers the complete regulations subject area with practice questions mapped to the Aviation Mechanic ACS.
What is an Airworthiness Directive (AD) and how do I comply?
An Airworthiness Directive is a legally enforceable rule issued by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 39 when an unsafe condition exists in an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance. Compliance is mandatory: per §91.403, no person may operate an aircraft that does not comply with applicable ADs. Mechanics must check for applicable ADs before performing inspections, accomplish the required actions (inspection, repair, alteration, or part replacement), and record compliance in the maintenance records — including the AD number, the method of compliance, and the signature and certificate number of the person approving the work. Recurring ADs must be re-accomplished at the specified intervals. Sky License includes AD compliance scenarios with detailed explanations of the recording requirements.
What is the difference between an AD and a Service Bulletin?
An Airworthiness Directive is mandatory — it has the force of a regulation under 14 CFR Part 39, and the aircraft cannot legally operate without compliance. A Service Bulletin (SB) is a manufacturer-issued document recommending improvements, inspections, or modifications; it is voluntary unless it is incorporated into an AD, required by an operator's FAA-approved maintenance program, or mandated by the type certificate holder's instructions for continued airworthiness. A common exam question describes an SB and asks whether compliance is mandatory — the answer turns on whether an AD or approved program requires it.
When is FAA Form 337 required?
FAA Form 337 (Major Repair and Alteration form) is required for every major repair and major alteration as defined in Appendix A to 14 CFR Part 43. Per §43.9(b) and Appendix B, the person approving the work for return to service must prepare the form, describe the work with a reference to the FAA-approved data used, sign it, and forward a copy to the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) within 48 hours. Minor repairs and minor alterations do not require a Form 337 — they are recorded in the aircraft maintenance records with a standard §43.9 logbook entry.
What must be included in a maintenance logbook entry?
Under §43.9, every maintenance record entry must include four elements: (1) a description of the work performed or a reference to data acceptable to the FAA; (2) the date of completion; (3) the name and certificate number of the person performing the work; and (4) a signature. For inspections under §43.11, the record must additionally include the type of inspection, the aircraft total time in service, and the inspection authorization number (for annual inspections). Records for major repairs and major alterations must be on FAA Form 337. The owner/operator retains these records per §91.417.
Who can approve an aircraft for return to service?
Under §43.7, the holder of an airframe and/or powerplant rating who performed, supervised, or inspected the maintenance may approve return to service, within the scope of their rating. The holder of an Inspection Authorization (IA) may approve return to service after an annual inspection, a 100-hour inspection, or any inspection performed under §43.15. Certificated repair stations approve work within their ratings per their operations specifications, and manufacturers may approve work on products they produced. Persons without a mechanic certificate — including apprentices — may never approve return to service.
What is the difference between an annual and a 100-hour inspection?
The annual inspection (14 CFR §91.409(a)) is required for all aircraft and must be completed within the preceding 12 calendar months; it must be performed and signed off by a mechanic with an Inspection Authorization (IA). The 100-hour inspection (§91.409(b)) is required only for aircraft that carry persons for hire or provide flight instruction for hire, and must be completed within the preceding 100 hours of time in service; it may be signed off by any A&P mechanic. Both inspections follow the scope and detail of Appendix D to Part 43. An annual inspection can count as the 100-hour inspection, but not vice versa.
Can I perform preventive maintenance without a mechanic certificate?
Yes — for the specific operations listed in the preventive maintenance list in Appendix A(c) to Part 43. These include items like servicing landing gear struts, replacing tires and brakes, changing oil, replacing batteries, cleaning fuel strainers, and lubricating items that do not require disassembly. However, the person performing the work must still make a logbook entry per §43.9, and the aircraft must be approved for return to service by a person authorized under §43.7. Preventive maintenance performed by a private pilot on their own aircraft is a common scenario on the General exam — know which items are on the list and which are not.
What happens if I fail an FAA knowledge test?
You can retake a failed knowledge test — there is no limit on the number of attempts. Each attempt requires a new registration and test fee at the PSI testing center. Your test results report shows your score and performance by subject area, which tells you exactly which topics to study before retaking. The FAA recommends reviewing the relevant chapters of the FAA AMT Handbooks (FAA-H-8083-30/31/32) and the Aviation Mechanic ACS before your next attempt. There is no waiting period between attempts for the mechanic knowledge tests, but most candidates benefit from several weeks of focused study before retesting.
How do the FAA regulations differ from the other A&P test subjects?
The regulations subject area is fundamentally different from the technical subjects (airframe systems, powerplant systems, electricity) because it tests legal knowledge rather than mechanical knowledge. While the technical questions ask how systems work and how to troubleshoot them, the regulation questions ask what the law requires — maintenance record content, return-to-service authority, AD compliance, and inspection intervals. Many candidates find the regulations harder because they require a different study approach: precise recall of section numbers and rule language rather than understanding physical principles. Sky License separates the regulations module from the technical modules, allowing you to switch study modes between regulatory and technical content.
How long should I study the regulations for the General test?
Most candidates spend 2 to 4 weeks on the regulations portion of the General test, depending on their prior exposure to 14 CFR. If you are studying at a Part 147 school, you will typically cover regulations as part of your curriculum over several months. For self-study candidates, a focused 3-week plan with daily practice is recommended. The key is consistency — studying 30–60 minutes daily is far more effective than cramming for several hours once a week. Sky License's adaptive difficulty system automatically adjusts to your performance level, ensuring you spend time on the sections where you need the most improvement.
What study resources does Sky License offer for FAA regulations?
Sky License offers a dedicated regulations module with hundreds of practice questions organized by subject area. Features include AI-powered adaptive difficulty that adjusts to your performance, scenario-based questions that simulate real maintenance situations, detailed answer explanations with direct 14 CFR references, timed mock exams that match the real 60-question General format, and performance analytics that show your accuracy by subject. The platform covers the full Aviation Mechanic ACS regulations scope, including Part 43 maintenance rules, Part 65 certification, Part 91 inspections and records, Part 39 ADs, and AC 43.13-1B. Start with a free account at Sky License to begin practicing today.
For more detailed information about the FAA regulations and study strategies, check out our complete FAA regulations guide and our 14 CFR Part 43 deep dive. You can also visit the main Sky License FAQ for platform questions.
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