Aviation mechanic privileges, recent experience and display practice questions
20 free practice questions from 14 CFR 65.81 to 65.89. Each answer is explained and linked to the rule it comes from.
Aviation mechanic privileges, recent experience and display
20 questions across 6 topics. After each answer you see why it is right, with a link to the official source.
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General privileges and exclusions
1. Under 14 CFR 65.81(a), which work may a certificated mechanic either perform or supervise on an aircraft or appliance for which that person is rated, apart from the stated exclusions?
- A. Only the inspection and approval of major repairs
- B. The maintenance, preventive maintenance or alteration
- C. Only preventive maintenance
- D. Only work the mechanic performs personally, since supervising is not included
Show answer
Answer: B. The maintenance, preventive maintenance or alteration
"A certificated mechanic may perform or supervise the maintenance, preventive maintenance or alteration of an aircraft or appliance, or a part thereof, for which that person is rated", subject to the exclusions for propellers and instruments.
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.81, General privileges and limitations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
2. A certificated mechanic is asked to make a minor repair to an instrument. How does 14 CFR 65.81(a) treat that repair?
- A. It is within the general privileges, because only major repairs to instruments are excluded
- B. It is within the general privileges if the mechanic has satisfactorily performed the same repair at an earlier date
- C. It is within the general privileges if a certificated repairman supervises it
- D. It is excluded, because the general privileges exclude any repair to, or alteration of, instruments
Show answer
Answer: D. It is excluded, because the general privileges exclude any repair to, or alteration of, instruments
A certificated mechanic may perform or supervise maintenance and alteration for which that person is rated "(but excluding major repairs to, and major alterations of, propellers, and any repair to, or alteration of, instruments)".
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.81, General privileges and limitations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
3. Under 14 CFR 65.81(a), on which aircraft or appliances may a certificated mechanic perform or supervise maintenance, preventive maintenance or alteration?
- A. Those for which that person is rated, subject to the stated exclusions
- B. Any aircraft or appliance, whatever the rating held
- C. Only aircraft the mechanic owns
- D. Only aircraft with a special airworthiness certificate
Show answer
Answer: A. Those for which that person is rated, subject to the stated exclusions
The rule says a certificated mechanic may perform or supervise that work on "an aircraft or appliance, or a part thereof, for which that person is rated".
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.81, General privileges and limitations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Work not done before and manufacturer instructions
4. Under 14 CFR 65.81(a), what must a certificated mechanic have done before supervising work on, or approving for return to service, an aircraft for which that person is rated?
- A. Held the mechanic certificate for at least 30 months
- B. Obtained an inspection authorization
- C. Satisfactorily performed the work concerned at an earlier date
- D. Obtained the aircraft owner's written consent
Show answer
Answer: C. Satisfactorily performed the work concerned at an earlier date
A mechanic may not supervise that work or approve for return to service "unless that person has satisfactorily performed the work concerned at an earlier date."
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.81, General privileges and limitations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
5. A certificated mechanic has never performed a specific operation on an aircraft for which the mechanic is rated. Under 14 CFR 65.81(a), which is one way the mechanic may show the ability to do it?
- A. Perform it under the direct supervision of a certificated and appropriately rated mechanic, or a certificated repairman, who has had previous experience in the specific operation concerned
- B. Sign a statement that the mechanic has read about the operation
- C. Perform it under the supervision of any pilot holding at least a private pilot certificate
- D. Retake the written test for the rating
Show answer
Answer: A. Perform it under the direct supervision of a certificated and appropriately rated mechanic, or a certificated repairman, who has had previous experience in the specific operation concerned
The mechanic "may show the ability to do it by performing it to the satisfaction of the Administrator or under the direct supervision of a certificated and appropriately rated mechanic, or a certificated repairman, who has had previous experience in the specific operation concerned."
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.81, General privileges and limitations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
6. Under 14 CFR 65.81(b), what must a certificated mechanic understand before exercising the privileges of the certificate and rating?
- A. Only the aircraft flight manual
- B. The current instructions of the manufacturer, and the maintenance manuals, for the specific operation concerned
- C. The manufacturer's instructions as they stood when the aircraft was built
- D. General textbooks for the type of work, in place of the manufacturer's instructions
Show answer
Answer: B. The current instructions of the manufacturer, and the maintenance manuals, for the specific operation concerned
A mechanic may not exercise the privileges "unless that person understands the current instructions of the manufacturer, and the maintenance manuals, for the specific operation concerned."
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.81, General privileges and limitations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Recent experience
7. Under 14 CFR 65.83, what does a certificated mechanic need recent experience within the preceding 24 months for?
- A. To keep the certificate from being revoked
- B. To keep the certificate instead of surrendering it to the Administrator
- C. To take the written test for an additional rating
- D. To exercise the privileges of the certificate and rating
Show answer
Answer: D. To exercise the privileges of the certificate and rating
"A certificated mechanic may not exercise the privileges of his certificate and rating unless, within the preceding 24 months" the Administrator has found that he is able to do that work or he meets paragraph (b).
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.83, Recent experience requirements (as of Nov 4, 2026)
8. A certificated mechanic counts time spent serving as a mechanic toward 14 CFR 65.83(b)(1). How must that service have been performed?
- A. As an employee of a part 121 air carrier
- B. Under the supervision of an inspection authorization holder
- C. Under the mechanic's own certificate and rating
- D. At a certificated aviation maintenance technician school
Show answer
Answer: C. Under the mechanic's own certificate and rating
65.83(b)(1) lists having "Served as a mechanic under his certificate and rating".
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.83, Recent experience requirements (as of Nov 4, 2026)
9. A certificated mechanic has done none of the activities listed in 14 CFR 65.83(b) in the preceding 24 months. What other condition in 65.83 lets the mechanic exercise the certificate's privileges?
- A. The mechanic has renewed the certificate by mail
- B. The mechanic holds at least a private pilot certificate
- C. An employer has signed a statement of the mechanic's ability
- D. Within the preceding 24 months, the Administrator has found that he is able to do that work
Show answer
Answer: D. Within the preceding 24 months, the Administrator has found that he is able to do that work
Paragraph (a) is an alternative to (b): within the preceding 24 months, "The Administrator has found that he is able to do that work; or" the mechanic meets (b).
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.83, Recent experience requirements (as of Nov 4, 2026)
10. Which of these activities is listed in 14 CFR 65.83(b) as recent experience?
- A. Technically supervising other mechanics
- B. Flying as pilot in command
- C. Holding a repairman certificate
- D. Working as a flight instructor
Show answer
Answer: A. Technically supervising other mechanics
65.83(b)(2) lists having "Technically supervised other mechanics".
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.83, Recent experience requirements (as of Nov 4, 2026)
11. Under 14 CFR 65.83(b)(3), in what capacity may a mechanic have supervised the maintenance or alteration of aircraft for it to count as recent experience?
- A. Only as an FAA inspector
- B. In an executive capacity
- C. Only while holding an inspection authorization
- D. Only as an instructor at a part 147 school
Show answer
Answer: B. In an executive capacity
65.83(b)(3) lists having "Supervised, in an executive capacity, the maintenance or alteration of aircraft".
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.83, Recent experience requirements (as of Nov 4, 2026)
12. Within the preceding 24 months, a mechanic served as a mechanic under the certificate and rating for part of the time and technically supervised other mechanics for the rest. How does 14 CFR 65.83(b) treat a mix like this?
- A. Only one activity, done without a break, counts
- B. Only service as a mechanic under the certificate and rating counts
- C. Being engaged in any combination of the activities in (b)(1), (2) or (3) counts
- D. Only work on aircraft operated under part 121 counts
Show answer
Answer: C. Being engaged in any combination of the activities in (b)(1), (2) or (3) counts
65.83(b)(4) counts having "Been engaged in any combination of paragraph (b) (1), (2), or (3) of this section."
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.83, Recent experience requirements (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Airframe rating privileges
13. Under 14 CFR 65.85(a), after which actions may a mechanic with an airframe rating approve an airframe, or any related part or appliance, for return to service?
- A. Only after that person has personally performed the work
- B. Only after a holder of an inspection authorization has inspected it
- C. After that person has performed, supervised, or inspected its maintenance or alteration (excluding major repairs and major alterations)
- D. After reviewing the owner's own logbook entry
Show answer
Answer: C. After that person has performed, supervised, or inspected its maintenance or alteration (excluding major repairs and major alterations)
The airframe-rated mechanic may approve for return to service "after that person has performed, supervised, or inspected its maintenance or alteration (excluding major repairs and major alterations)."
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.85, Airframe rating; additional privileges (as of Nov 4, 2026)
14. Under 14 CFR 65.85(b), what must an airframe-rated mechanic have done with a major repair or major alteration on a light-sport category aircraft before approving the airframe for return to service?
- A. Both performed and inspected it
- B. Only supervised it
- C. Only inspected it after another person performed it
- D. Only recorded it after the owner performed it
Show answer
Answer: A. Both performed and inspected it
65.85(b) allows that approval "after performing and inspecting a major repair or major alteration", so the mechanic must have done both.
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.85, Airframe rating; additional privileges (as of Nov 4, 2026)
15. An owner asks Sam, a certificated mechanic who holds only an airframe rating and no inspection authorization, to perform the 100-hour inspection required by part 91 on the airframe of an airplane. What does 14 CFR 65.85(a) allow Sam to do?
- A. Perform the inspection on the airframe, but not approve it for return to service
- B. Perform the inspection only if the owner holds at least a private pilot certificate
- C. Perform the inspection only after Sam obtains an inspection authorization
- D. Perform the 100-hour inspection on the airframe and approve for return to service
Show answer
Answer: D. Perform the 100-hour inspection on the airframe and approve for return to service
"In addition, a certificated mechanic with an airframe rating may perform the 100-hour inspection required by part 91 of this chapter on an airframe, or any related part or appliance, and approve for return to service."
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.85, Airframe rating; additional privileges (as of Nov 4, 2026)
16. 14 CFR 65.85(b) lets an airframe-rated mechanic approve an airframe for return to service after a major repair or major alteration in one stated case. To which aircraft and products does it apply?
- A. Any aircraft with a standard airworthiness certificate
- B. An aircraft with a special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category, for products that are not produced under an FAA approval
- C. Any aircraft operated under part 135
- D. Any aircraft the mechanic owns
Show answer
Answer: B. An aircraft with a special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category, for products that are not produced under an FAA approval
65.85(b) covers "an aircraft with a special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category" and major repairs or alterations "for products that are not produced under an FAA approval".
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.85, Airframe rating; additional privileges (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Powerplant rating privileges
17. A mechanic holds only a powerplant rating. Under 14 CFR 65.87(a), what may the mechanic approve for return to service after performing, supervising, or inspecting its maintenance or alteration (excluding major repairs and major alterations)?
- A. A powerplant or propeller or any related part or appliance
- B. An airframe, or any related part or appliance
- C. Only engine accessories, not propellers
- D. Instruments, after repairing them
Show answer
Answer: A. A powerplant or propeller or any related part or appliance
A powerplant-rated mechanic "may approve for return to service a powerplant or propeller or any related part or appliance" after that work.
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.87, Powerplant rating; additional privileges (as of Nov 4, 2026)
18. Under 14 CFR 65.87(b), a powerplant-rated mechanic may approve a powerplant or propeller of an aircraft with a special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category for return to service after a major repair or major alteration for products not produced under an FAA approval, provided the work met which condition?
- A. It was approved in advance by the aircraft owner
- B. It was performed by a student of a part 147 school
- C. It was recorded on a form signed by the pilot
- D. It was authorized by, and performed in accordance with instructions developed by, the manufacturer or a person acceptable to the FAA
Show answer
Answer: D. It was authorized by, and performed in accordance with instructions developed by, the manufacturer or a person acceptable to the FAA
The approval is allowed "provided the major repair or major alteration was authorized by, and performed in accordance with instructions developed by, the manufacturer or a person acceptable to the FAA."
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.87, Powerplant rating; additional privileges (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Display of certificate
19. A mechanic works every day on the line at one airport but keeps the mechanic certificate at home in another city. Which duty in 14 CFR 65.89 does this fail to meet?
- A. Showing the certificate to each aircraft owner before starting work
- B. Filing a copy of the certificate with the FAA
- C. Keeping the certificate within the immediate area where he normally exercises the privileges of the certificate
- D. Posting the certificate inside each aircraft worked on
Show answer
Answer: C. Keeping the certificate within the immediate area where he normally exercises the privileges of the certificate
Each holder "shall keep it within the immediate area where he normally exercises the privileges of the certificate".
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.89, Display of certificate (as of Nov 4, 2026)
20. A local police officer asks a mechanic at the hangar to show the mechanic certificate. What does 14 CFR 65.89 require?
- A. The mechanic may decline, because only the Administrator may make that request
- B. The mechanic shall present it for inspection, because the rule covers any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer
- C. The mechanic must present it only if a representative of the National Transportation Safety Board is also present
- D. The mechanic must surrender the certificate to the officer
Show answer
Answer: B. The mechanic shall present it for inspection, because the rule covers any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer
The holder "shall present it for inspection upon the request of the Administrator or an authorized representative of the National Transportation Safety Board, or of any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer."
Source: eCFR: 14 CFR 65.89, Display of certificate (as of Nov 4, 2026)