AME Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield AME facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. During the circadian cycle, when are human alertness and performance usually at their lowest? → 2:00 to 6:00 a.m.
2. Delaying the quench after solution heat treatment of an aluminum alloy most likely results in: → Reduced resistance to intergranular corrosion
3. A maintenance technician is inspecting the combustion section of a gas turbine engine. Which of the following is a primary function of this section? → To add chemical energy to the compressed air by burning fuel at a constant pressure.
4. In an aircraft fire detection system, what does a 'thermal switch' type detector do? → Closes an electrical circuit when temperature exceeds a preset threshold
5. What is the importance of torqueing in aircraft maintenance? → To ensure fasteners are securely tightened to prevent safety hazards
6. A 10-inch torque wrench is used with a 2-inch straight extension to apply 120 in-lb to a nut. What should the wrench read? → 100 in-lb
7. What is the purpose of the aircraft's wing structure? → To generate lift and support the aircraft's weight
8. What is the main advantage of a centrifugal-flow compressor compared to an axial-flow compressor? → Higher pressure rise per stage and greater resistance to FOD
9. Which aluminum rivet must be refrigerated after heat treatment to delay age hardening before it is driven? → 2024-T4 (DD)
10. What is the purpose of a convergent-divergent exhaust nozzle on supersonic aircraft? → Allow exhaust gases to expand to supersonic velocity for added thrust
11. A lead-acid aircraft battery requires frequent water additions and shows signs of spewing. What is the most likely cause? → Voltage regulator set too high, overcharging the battery
12. A constant-current battery charger is used on an aircraft battery. Which statement is correct? → Charging current must be monitored and the charge stopped to prevent overcharging
13. What does TDC stand for as used in reciprocating engine terminology? → Top Dead Center
14. An aircraft that does not currently meet airworthiness requirements must be flown to a repair base. What does it need? → A special flight permit
15. What must be done before an ADIRU or IRS completes its ground alignment? → Keep the aircraft stationary and enter present position
16. Why is mechanical dither applied to a ring laser gyro? → To prevent lock-in at low rotation rates
17. Why are the aircraft and fuel truck bonded together before refueling? → To equalize static electrical potential and prevent sparks
18. Why is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) critical to aviation safety? → It establishes and enforces aviation safety regulations and standards
19. An AME is inspecting a composite control surface and finds a defect where the layers of the laminate have separated. What is this type of damage called? → Delamination
20. What is the purpose of shrouded turbine blade tips? → Reduce tip leakage and blade vibration
21. When safety wiring two bolts, the wire must be installed so that it: → Pulls in the tightening direction
22. Which type of distance does DME measure? → Slant range from aircraft to ground station
23. Under 14 CFR 91.411, how often must the static system, altimeter, and automatic altitude reporting system be tested for IFR flight in controlled airspace? → Every 24 calendar months
24. What type of resolution advisory does TCAS II provide? → Vertical maneuver only
25. Where in the federal aviation regulations is the list of approved preventive maintenance items found? → Part 43, Appendix A
26. What is the function of a reverse-current relay in a DC generator system? → To disconnect the generator from the bus when battery current would flow back into it
27. A 100-hour inspection interval may be exceeded by up to how many hours to reach a place where the inspection can be done? → 10 hours
28. A rivet head marked with a small dimple indicates which alloy? → 2117-T4 (AD)
29. In a multi-generator DC system, what device is used to make generators share the load equally? → Paralleling (equalizing) circuit
30. Which physical principle does a ring laser gyro use to sense rotation? → Sagnac effect