30-Day FAA A&P Exam Prep Checklist

A day-by-day study plan to prepare for your FAA General, Airframe, and Powerplant knowledge tests. Print it, check it, pass it.

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Passing the FAA knowledge tests requires more than just reading the regulations. You need a structured plan that covers every subject area, tests your knowledge under exam conditions, and helps you identify weak areas before test day.

This 30-day checklist is built around the Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-1) and covers General (AM.I), Airframe (AM.II), Powerplant (AM.III), 14 CFR Parts 43/65/91, and full-length timed exam simulations. Whether you are pursuing the Airframe rating, the Powerplant rating, or both (A&P), this plan provides the foundation you need. Use it alongside Sky License for daily practice questions, AI Tutor explanations, and progress tracking.

Not sure which rating is right for you? Read our FAA A&P certification guide. Need a refresher on key terms? Check the aviation maintenance glossary.

The Four-Week Structure

Week 1: Assessment & Foundation — Review the FAA AMT Handbooks and ACS, take a diagnostic quiz, identify your weak areas, and build a solid General and regulatory foundation.
Week 2: Deep Study — Dive into General fundamentals, 14 CFR Parts 43/65/91, and the airframe subjects that form the core of the certificate.
Week 3: Practice Mode — Shift from passive reading to active recall with daily quizzes, AI Tutor sessions, and timed practice exams at mixed difficulty levels.
Week 4: Exam Simulation — Take full-length, timed exam simulations matching the real test format (60 and 100 questions), review every wrong answer, target weak areas, and arrive on test day fully prepared.

Week 1: Assessment & Foundation

Review the FAA handbooks and ACS, take a diagnostic quiz, and identify weak areas.

Download & Review the FAA Handbooks & ACS

☐Download the FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbooks — General (FAA-H-8083-30B), Airframe (FAA-H-8083-31B), and Powerplant (FAA-H-8083-32B).
☐Download the Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-1).
☐Read through the AM.I (General), AM.II (Airframe), and AM.III (Powerplant) subject area outlines.
☐Highlight unfamiliar topics for focused study later.

Take a Full Diagnostic Quiz

☐Log in to Sky License and take one full diagnostic quiz spanning all three exam domains.
☐Record your scores per domain to identify weak areas.
☐Review every wrong answer and read the provided explanations.

Organize Your Study Materials

☐Gather your references: 14 CFR Parts 43, 65 & 91, AC 43.13-1B, the FAA AMT Handbooks, and FAA Form 337 samples.
☐Bookmark the Sky License AI Tutor and question bank for daily access.
☐Set up a study tracker — print or save this checklist to mark progress.

General — Mathematics & Physics

☐Review basic math: fractions, decimals, ratios, percentages, and unit conversions.
☐Study applied physics: force, work, power, simple machines, and fluid basics.
☐Take the math & physics mini-quiz on Sky License (15 questions, timed).

General — Basic Electricity

☐Study Ohm's law, series and parallel circuits, and power calculations.
☐Review electrical components: resistors, capacitors, switches, and circuit protection.
☐Complete 20 basic electricity practice questions.

General — Aircraft Drawings & Weight & Balance

☐Learn to read blueprints, schematics, and electrical diagrams — symbols and conventions.
☐Study weight & balance: weighing aircraft, moment arms, and CG calculations.
☐Take a mixed 25-question quiz across drawings and weight & balance.

Week 1 Review & Weak Area Deep Dive

☐Revisit your diagnostic scores from Day 2 — which domains need the most work?
☐Spend 2 hours on your weakest General topic from this week.
☐Take a 30-question General progress quiz and aim for 70%+.

Week 2: Deep Study

Focus on General fundamentals, 14 CFR, and airframe basics.

General — Materials & Processes

☐Study metals: aluminium alloys, steel, heat treatment, and corrosion control.
☐Review non-metallic materials: composites, plastics, and sealants.
☐Complete 20 materials & processes practice questions on Sky License.

14 CFR Part 43 & Part 65 — Maintenance Rules

☐Study 14 CFR Part 43 — maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration, including the return-to-service rules.
☐Learn the classification of repairs (minor vs. major) and when FAA Form 337 is required.
☐Study 14 CFR Part 65 Subpart D — mechanic certification, ratings, and privileges.
☐Take a 15-question quiz focused on repair classifications.

General — Ground Operation & Servicing + Part 91

☐Review towing, jacking, fueling, and ground safety procedures.
☐Study 14 CFR Part 91 general operating rules relevant to maintenance.
☐Complete 20 ground operation and servicing practice questions.

Airframe — Structures (AM.II.A)

☐Review metallic structural repair: sheet metal, rivets, and fasteners.
☐Study composite structures and non-destructive inspection (NDI) methods.
☐Complete 20 airframe structures practice questions.

Airframe — Hydraulic & Pneumatic Power + Landing Gear

☐Study ATA 29 (Hydraulic Power) — pumps, actuators, valves, and accumulators.
☐Study ATA 32 (Landing Gear) — retraction systems, brakes, tires, and steering.
☐Take a mixed 20-question quiz on hydraulics and landing gear.

Airframe — Flight Controls & Fuel Systems

☐Review ATA 27 (Flight Controls) — primary and secondary control systems and trim.
☐Study ATA 28 (Fuel Systems) — fuel storage, distribution, and venting.
☐Complete 20 questions on flight controls and fuel systems.

Week 2 Review — Mixed Domain Quiz

☐Take a 50-question mixed exam covering General fundamentals and airframe basics.
☐Review all wrong answers in detail — write notes on misunderstood concepts.
☐Identify your three weakest subtopics and plan extra study for next week.

Week 3: Practice Mode

Daily quizzes, AI Tutor, and mixed difficulty practice.

Daily Quiz Mode — 30 Questions

☐Set Sky License to Quiz Mode: 30 questions, mixed difficulty, no time limit.
☐Focus on your three weakest subtopics identified on Day 14.
☐Use the AI Tutor to explain every question you get wrong.

AI Tutor Session — Powerplant Focus

☐Open the Sky License AI Tutor and ask for explanations on powerplant topics.
☐Cover: reciprocating engine theory, ignition systems, fuel metering, and lubrication.
☐Ask the AI Tutor to generate 10 custom practice questions on weak areas.

Timed Quiz — 40 Questions in 45 Minutes

☐Set Sky License to Timed Mode: 40 questions, 45-minute timer.
☐Simulate real exam pressure — no phone, no notes, no interruptions.
☐Review results immediately. Flag any questions you guessed on for follow-up.

Airframe — Cabin Atmosphere, Fire Protection & Electrical

☐Study cabin atmosphere systems: pressurization, air conditioning, and oxygen.
☐Review fire protection: detection and extinguishing systems.
☐Study aircraft electrical systems: generation, distribution, and wiring.
☐Complete 25 airframe systems practice questions.

Powerplant — Reciprocating Engines & Propellers

☐Study reciprocating engine theory, construction, and overhaul practices.
☐Review propellers and governing systems.
☐Complete 25 powerplant practice questions.

Mixed Difficulty Challenge

☐Set Sky License to HARD difficulty. Take 20 questions.
☐Review each answer — wrong or right — using the AI Tutor for deeper understanding.
☐Spend 30 minutes re-reading your notes from Weeks 1–2 on topics you still find difficult.

Week 3 Review — 60-Question Progress Exam

☐Take a 60-question progress exam covering all subject areas studied so far.
☐Score analysis: compare against your Week 1 diagnostic.
☐Celebrate improvements and list 5 topics for last-week reinforcement.

Week 4: Exam Simulation

Full-length timed exams, review wrong answers, final preparation.

Simulation 1 — General Exam

☐Take the General simulation: 60 questions, 2 hours, timed, no interruptions.
☐Simulate real exam conditions — same time of day as your scheduled test.
☐Score yourself and review all wrong answers in detail.

Simulation 2 — Airframe Exam

☐Take the Airframe simulation: 100 questions, 2 hours, timed.
☐Focus on structures, hydraulics, landing gear, and flight control questions.
☐Log every question you answered incorrectly and categorize by subtopic.

Weak Area Remediation

☐Review your categorized error log from Simulations 1 & 2.
☐Spend 3 hours on your top 3 weakest subtopics using AI Tutor and reference materials.
☐Take a 20-question targeted quiz on each weak subtopic until you score 80%+.

Simulation 3 — Powerplant Exam

☐Take the Powerplant simulation: 100 questions, 2 hours, timed.
☐Cover reciprocating and turbine engines, propellers, fuel metering, and ignition.
☐Compare your score against Simulation 2 — which technical domain needs more work?

Final Review — Regulations & References

☐Re-read your notes on 14 CFR Parts 43, 65, and 91 — focus on areas where you lost points.
☐Review AC 43.13-1B accepted practices and FAA Form 337 requirements one more time.
☐Take a final 30-question mixed regulatory quiz. Score target: 85%+.

Final Review — Technical Domains

☐Quick-scan all subject areas you studied: electricity, drawings, weight & balance, materials, structures, systems, and engines.
☐Review the 10 most common question types you encountered.
☐Final 30-question mixed technical quiz. Score target: 85%+.

Simulation 4 — Full-Length Mixed Exam

☐Take one more full-length timed simulation (100 questions, 2 hours) on your weaker rating.
☐Apply everything you learned from your error log and remediation sessions.
☐End the day early — no new content. Review your error log one final time.

Rest & Light Review

☐NO new content. Light review only — skim notes, revisit your strongest topics.
☐Prepare your test materials: government-issued photo ID, test confirmation, and directions to the PSI test center.
☐Go to bed early. Aim for 8 hours of sleep.

Test Day!

☐Eat a good breakfast. Arrive 30 minutes early at the testing center.
☐Trust your preparation — you have put in the work.
☐Read each question carefully. Manage your time. You have trained for this.

💡 Tips for Maximizing This Checklist

1.Consistency over intensity: Studying 2 hours every day is vastly more effective than cramming 8 hours on weekends.
2.Active recall beats re-reading: Every time you read a chapter, follow it with practice questions.
3.Track your weak areas: After every quiz, log the topics you got wrong. Spend the next day reviewing them.
4.Simulate real exam conditions: In Week 4, take simulations in a quiet room with no phone, no notes, and a strict timer.
5.Use the Sky License AI Tutor: When a concept doesn't click, ask the AI Tutor to explain it in plain language.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 30-day FAA A&P exam prep checklist really enough to pass?▼

The 30-day checklist is designed for focused, intensive preparation. It works best for candidates who already have foundational knowledge from an FAA Part 147 approved maintenance school program or on-the-job maintenance experience. If you are starting from zero, consider combining this plan with an 8-12 week study timeline using the Sky License adaptive platform to build baseline knowledge before the 30-day sprint.

Which FAA exams does this checklist cover?▼

This checklist covers all three FAA knowledge tests — General (60 questions, 2 hours), Airframe (100 questions, 2 hours), and Powerplant (100 questions, 2 hours) — aligned with the Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards (AM.I General, AM.II Airframe, AM.III Powerplant). Whether you are pursuing the Airframe rating, the Powerplant rating, or both (A&P), this plan has you covered. Supplement it with subject-specific practice questions from Sky License for your rating stream.

How many hours per day should I study?▼

Most candidates should plan for 2–4 hours of focused study per day. Some days in Weeks 1 and 2 may require 3–4 hours for deep reading, while Weeks 3 and 4 focus more on active practice (quizzes and simulations). Consistency matters more than cramming — study every day, even if only for 90 minutes.

Can I print the checklist?▼

Yes! The print view uses a clean white background with black text for easy reading and checkmark tracking. You can also download the free PDF by entering your email in the signup form at the top or bottom of this page.

What if I miss a day?▼

Don't panic. The 30-day plan is a guide, not a rigid requirement. If you fall behind, combine lighter days or extend the plan by a few days. The key is to maintain momentum — completing Weeks 3 and 4 (practice mode and exam simulations) is critical for exam readiness. Use the Sky License AI Tutor to catch up on missed topics quickly.

Does this checklist include the Aviation Mechanic ACS?▼

Absolutely. The plan is built around the FAA Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-1), which define the subject areas for the three knowledge tests: AM.I (General), AM.II (Airframe), and AM.III (Powerplant), along with 14 CFR Parts 43, 65, and 91. Each day references specific subject areas. For a complete breakdown of the certification process, read our FAA A&P certification guide.

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