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Free FAA AMT Powerplant Exam Prep

FAA Aviation Mechanic — Powerplant Knowledge Test (AMP)

Prepare for the FAA AMT Powerplant exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.

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Your Study Path

FAA FAA Airman and Aviation Certificates License: Complete Roadmap

Follow this path to organize your licensing and exam preparation

1

Master Reciprocating and Turbine Engine TheoryYou are here

Start with the two largest subject areas: four-stroke cycle, valve timing, detonation, plus axial/centrifugal compressors, combustion, and the turbine section.

16
hours
2

Add Ignition, Propellers, and Fuel Systems

Work magneto theory and turbine ignition, constant-speed and feathering propellers, carburetors, fuel injection, and fuel control units.

12
hours
3

Cover Support Systems and Instruments

Study lubrication, electrical, induction/cooling, and engine instrument systems including manifold pressure, EGT, and CHT.

10
hours
4

Finish Inspection, Overhaul, Fire, and Exhaust

Train inspection procedures, ADs, removal/installation/overhaul, fire protection, and exhaust/reverser systems under timed mixed sets.

8
hours
Estimated total study time
46 hours
That's about 5 weeks at 10 hours/week

Can You Take the FAA AMT Powerplant Exam?

Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements

Age
Must meet FAA age requirements under 14 CFR Part 65
Education
Graduation from an FAA-certificated Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School or documented practical maintenance experience under 14 CFR 65.77
Additional Requirements
  • Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
  • Meet the experience or schooling requirements of 14 CFR 65 for the powerplant rating
  • Pass the powerplant knowledge test before the oral and practical tests
  • Knowledge test is administered by PSI on the FAA airman testing system

FAA AMT Powerplant Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

4-8 weeks typical preparation

From start to license in hand

Exam Provider

PSI

In-Person Only
Schedule Your Exam

Retake Policy

If you fail, you may retake the knowledge test after meeting FAA retake conditions, which generally require additional instruction or a waiting period; confirm current PSI/FAA policy before rescheduling.

Total Cost Breakdown

Exam Fee~$175 PSI testing fee for the FAA AMP knowledge test
Total Estimated Cost~$175 plus any optional prep materials or retake fees
Why Choose Us

Free FAA AMT Powerplant Prep Tools

Reported exam pass rate: Not consistently published by the FAA for the powerplant knowledge test. These figures describe exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep user outcomes. Check the exam sponsor’s website for published statistics.

100 Practice Questions

Covers all 14 powerplant subject areas from reciprocating and turbine engines to fire protection.

Current 2026 Blueprint

Built to the 100-question, 2-hour, 70%-to-pass FAA AMP knowledge test, separate from General and Airframe.

Free Prep

Use the full powerplant bank with detailed answer rationales at no cost.

Compare:
Kaplan $300+Achievable $200+OpenExamPrep $0

What You'll Study

16 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide

FAA AMT Powerplant-Specific Topics Covered

FAA airman knowledge test code AMP for the Aviation Mechanic Powerplant ratingOfficial exam is 100 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour time limitA scaled score of 70% is required to passThe powerplant test is separate from the General (AMG) and Airframe (AMA) testsTest is computer-based and delivered through PSI on the FAA airman testing systemEligibility is governed by 14 CFR Part 65 (Part 147 school or documented experience)Subject coverage follows the FAA-S-ACS-1 Aviation Mechanic Powerplant ACS

FAA AMT Powerplant Exam Details

FAA Aviation Mechanic — Powerplant Knowledge Test (AMP)

Administered by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Official Source
70%
Passing Score
100
Questions
2
Hours
~$175 (PSI testing fee)
Exam Fee
Study time: 4-8 weeks
Prerequisites: Per 14 CFR 65 (school graduation or documented experience)

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) content outline

Reciprocating Engines16%

Four-stroke cycle, valve timing and overlap, compression ratio, detonation and preignition, firing order, piston rings, crankshafts, dynamic dampers, radial master rods, and valve clearance.

Turbine Engines14%

Axial and centrifugal compressors, combustion and turbine sections, compressor stalls, variable stator vanes, spool speeds, FOD, hot and hung starts, and turbine blade creep.

Ignition & Starting Systems9%

Magneto theory, E-gap, impulse couplings, P-leads, condensers, magneto checks, turbine high-energy igniters, and spark plug fouling and installation.

Propellers9%

Constant-speed governors, blade angle, feathering, fail-safe pitch behavior, blade tracking, propeller damage limits, turboprop reduction gearing, and dynamic balancing.

Engine Fuel Metering Systems8%

Float carburetors, carburetor icing, accelerating pumps, continuous-flow fuel injection, mixture leaning, and idle mixture adjustment.

Engine Instrument Systems7%

Manifold pressure, bourdon-tube pressure gauges, cylinder head temperature thermocouples, tachometers, exhaust gas temperature, and turbine power-setting parameters (EPR/N1).

Lubrication Systems7%

Wet- and dry-sump systems, oil functions, pressure relief valves, scavenge pumps, oil temperature troubleshooting, chip detectors, and oil viscosity.

Engine Electrical Systems7%

Alternators, voltage regulators, starter-generators, bonding and grounding, wiring harness inspection, circuit breakers, and ignition harness resistance testing.

Induction, Airflow & Engine Cooling Systems7%

Air-cooled cylinder cooling, baffles and seals, cowl flaps, carburetor heat and alternate air, turbochargers, and wastegate boost control.

Engine Inspection6%

Differential compression tests, 100-hour and annual inspections, borescope use, Airworthiness Directives, and valve condition assessment.

Engine Fuel Systems6%

Engine-driven and boost pumps, fuel strainers and contamination, vapor lock, turbine fuel control units, and fuel heaters.

Engine Removal, Installation & Overhaul5%

Removal preparation and safing, TBO concepts, overhaul dimensional inspection to service limits, post-installation run-up and break-in, and vibration isolation mounts.

Engine Fire Protection5%

Continuous-loop and thermal-switch fire detection, nacelle fire extinguishing, firewalls, and fire detection system testing.

Engine Exhaust & Reverser Systems4%

Turbine exhaust systems and nozzles, thrust reversers, and reciprocating exhaust inspection for cracks, leaks, and carbon monoxide hazards.

What's Included

16 Chapters

Complete exam coverage

Practice Quizzes

With detailed explanations

Free to Start

No credit card required

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FAA AMT Powerplant Exam FAQ

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