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Subject area A of 15

Metallic Structures

5-15% of the A&P Airframe test, about 5 to 15 of the 100 questions. The FAA's test standard lists 17 knowledge elements and 5 risk management elements for this area. Here is every one, plus sample questions to try.

What the FAA tests

From the aviation mechanic test standard, FAA-S-ACS-1.

Knowledge: what you must know

  • AM.II.A.K1Inspection/testing of metal structures.
  • AM.II.A.K2Types of sheet metal defects.
  • AM.II.A.K3Selection of sheet metal repair materials.
  • AM.II.A.K4Layout, forming, and drilling of sheet metal components.
  • AM.II.A.K5Selection of rivets, hardware, and fasteners for a sheet metal repair.
  • AM.II.A.K6Heat treatment processes for aluminum.
  • AM.II.A.K7Rivet layout.
  • AM.II.A.K8Rivet removal and installation methods.
  • AM.II.A.K9Maintenance safety practices/precautions for sheet metal repairs or fabrications.
  • AM.II.A.K10Flame welding gases.
  • AM.II.A.K11Storage/handling of welding gases.
  • AM.II.A.K12Flame welding practices and techniques.
  • AM.II.A.K13Inert-gas welding practices and techniques.
  • AM.II.A.K14Purpose and types of shielding gases.
  • AM.II.A.K15Types of steel tubing welding repairs.
  • AM.II.A.K16Procedures for weld repairs.
  • AM.II.A.K17Types of structures and their characteristics.

Risk management: hazards you must be able to spot and manage

  • AM.II.A.R1Selection of repair materials.
  • AM.II.A.R2Utilizing maintenance safety practices/precautions for sheet metal structures.
  • AM.II.A.R3Use of PPE when working with sheet metal structures.
  • AM.II.A.R4Handling, storage, and use of compressed gas bottles.
  • AM.II.A.R5Use of electric welding equipment.

Try a sample question

Metallic Structures ยท AM.II.A.K5

The figure shows a countersunk rivet joining two sheets. In your repair the upper sheet is 0.040 inch thick, the lower sheet is 0.063 inch thick, and the rivet is 1/8 inch in diameter. What is the minimum length for the dimension marked 1?

FAA-CT-8080-4G, Appendix 3, Figure 3

Practice all of metallic structures

The full course has questions on every element listed here, with an explanation and FAA source for each.

See the courseFree mock test