A&P mechanic privileges and limitations (14 CFR part 65)

What a certificated mechanic may and may not do is the most testable rule set in the General, and 14 CFR 65.81 was amended in July 2025. Every fact below is checked against the current eCFR text, not an old question bank.

Questions and answers, explained

All 10 questions above, with the correct answer and why it is correct. Everything here is on a&p mechanic privileges and limitations (14 cfr part 65).

1. What is the minimum age to be eligible for a mechanic certificate?

   • A16 years
   • B17 years
   • C18 yearsCorrect
   • D21 years

   Why: 14 CFR 65.71(a)(1): to be eligible for a mechanic certificate and its ratings, a person must be at least 18 years of age.

   Reference AM.I.I.K1 · 14 CFR 65.71(a)(1); FAA-H-8083-30B, Ch. 13

2. Within what period must an applicant pass all the tests prescribed for a mechanic certificate?

   • A24 monthsCorrect
   • B12 months
   • C36 months
   • DThere is no time limit

   Why: 14 CFR 65.71(a)(3) requires the applicant to have passed all of the prescribed tests within a period of 24 months.

   Reference AM.I.I.K1 · 14 CFR 65.71(a)(3)

3. An applicant fails the general written test. When may the applicant retest?

   • AOnly after 90 days
   • BAfter 30 days, or sooner with a signed statement of additional instructionCorrect
   • CImmediately, as long as a new test fee is paid at the center
   • DAfter completing the full general curriculum at a Part 147 school again

   Why: 14 CFR 65.19: an applicant may retest 30 days after failing, or before the 30 days are up with a signed statement from an airman holding the certificate and rating sought, certifying additional instruction in each subject failed and that the applicant is ready.

   Reference AM.I.I.K1 · 14 CFR 65.19

4. Without attending a certificated school, how much practical experience must an applicant document to seek both the airframe and powerplant ratings?

   • A18 months
   • B24 months
   • C36 months
   • D30 monthsCorrect

   Why: 14 CFR 65.77(b): at least 18 months of practical experience for one rating, or at least 30 months of experience concurrently performing the duties of both the airframe and powerplant ratings.

   Reference AM.I.I.K1 · 14 CFR 65.77(b)

5. To exercise mechanic privileges, a mechanic must have served as a mechanic, or supervised maintenance, for at least how long within the preceding 24 months?

   • A3 months
   • B12 months
   • C6 monthsCorrect
   • D90 days

   Why: 14 CFR 65.83: within the preceding 24 months the mechanic must have, for at least 6 months, served as a mechanic, technically supervised other mechanics, supervised maintenance in an executive capacity, or a combination; or the FAA must have found the mechanic able to do the work.

   Reference AM.I.I.K2 · 14 CFR 65.83

6. Which work is excluded from a certificated mechanic's general privileges under 14 CFR 65.81?

   • AAny repair to, or alteration of, instrumentsCorrect
   • BMinor repairs to propellers
   • CReplacing a landing gear tire
   • DPreventive maintenance on the airframe

   Why: 14 CFR 65.81(a) excludes major repairs to and major alterations of propellers, and any repair to or alteration of instruments. Minor propeller repairs are within a rated mechanic's privileges.

   Reference AM.I.I.K1 · 14 CFR 65.81(a)

7. A mechanic who has never performed a particular task before may supervise it or approve it for return to service only after

   • Areading the manufacturer's service bulletin twice and initialing it
   • Bobtaining an inspection authorization
   • Cwaiting until the 24-month recency period resets, then retesting on it
   • Dshowing the ability to do it to the FAA or under supervision of someone experienced in itCorrect

   Why: 14 CFR 65.81(a): a mechanic may not supervise or approve for return to service work he or she has not satisfactorily performed before, unless the ability is shown to the FAA or by doing it under the direct supervision of a mechanic or repairman with previous experience in that specific operation.

   Reference AM.I.I.K1 · 14 CFR 65.81(a)

8. A mechanic with an airframe rating has completed a major repair on a standard-category airplane. Who may approve the aircraft for return to service?

   • AThe same mechanic, after signing the logbook
   • BThe holder of an inspection authorization, among othersCorrect
   • CAny private pilot after a test flight
   • DThe aircraft owner, once Form 337 is filed

   Why: Under 14 CFR 65.85(a), an airframe-rated mechanic may approve for return to service after maintenance or alteration excluding major repairs and major alterations. An inspection authorization holder may approve after a major repair or alteration done to approved data (65.95(a)(1)); appropriately rated repair stations can as well.

   Reference AM.I.I.K1 · 14 CFR 65.85(a), 65.95(a)(1)

9. An inspection authorization expires on

   • ADecember 31 of each even-numbered year
   • Bthe holder's birthday every 24 months
   • CMarch 31 of each odd-numbered yearCorrect
   • Dthe last day of the 12th month after issue

   Why: 14 CFR 65.92(a): each inspection authorization expires on March 31 of each odd-numbered year, and may be used only while the holder has a current mechanic certificate with both airframe and powerplant ratings.

   Reference AM.I.I.K8 · 14 CFR 65.92(a)

10. Which inspection may an airframe and powerplant mechanic WITHOUT an inspection authorization perform and approve for return to service?

    • AAn annual inspection
    • BA 100-hour inspectionCorrect
    • CA progressive inspection, as its supervisor
    • DThe return to service after a major alteration

    Why: 14 CFR 65.85 and 65.87 let airframe- and powerplant-rated mechanics perform the 100-hour inspection and approve for return to service. Annual inspections, supervising progressive inspections, and approval after major repairs or alterations are inspection authorization privileges (65.95).

    Reference AM.I.I.K1 · 14 CFR 65.85, 65.87, 65.95

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