Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely.  We understand this is a big step in your career journey and often a visit to the facility to know what to expect on test day and an opportunity to meet the examiner alleviates stress and nerves on the day of your exam.  Simply call for an appointment.

No. This is a federal certification and you can test with any DME in the U.S.  You can also retest with any DME of your choosing.

Yes.  We offer courses ranging from 1-4 days starting at $275.  Please see our Test Prep section or contact us for more details.

On average, the full test (general, airframe, powerplant) takes about 8-10 hours; general airframe or general powerplant takes about 4-6 hours and powerplant or aiframe added rating takes about 2-4 hours. 

There is not a specific time limit to answer a question or finish a project.  Projects and questions are randomly generated and some may be more lengthy to complete than others.  Testing times vary depending on the applicant and the test.   

No. The initial General must be taken with either the airframe or powerplant. 

• Government issued ID with photograph and signature such as a Driver's License or Passport
• Original FAA Knowledge Test results (for all ratings sought)
• Original graduation certificates (for all ratings sought)
• 8610-2 Application (this can be obtained and filled out at the testing facility)
• If testing based on experience, two original 8610-2 Applications with Block 5 signature by your local FSDO office 
• All tools required and reference materials allowed will be provided by the testing facility

Pursuant to  14 CFR part 65.77 , you must have a minimum of 18 months of practical experience with the procedures, practices, materials, tools, machine tools, and equipment generally used in constructing, maintaining, or altering airframes or powerplants, appropriate to the rating sought, appropriate experience for each rating; or at least 30 months of practical experience concurrently performing the duties appropriate to both the airframe and powerplant ratings.

• Document your experience in writing and complete the FAA 8610-2 Application Form in duplicate
• Call and make an appointment with an Aviation Safety Inspector at your local FSDO office
• The ASI will conduct an interview and review your documentation
• If all requirements are met, the ASI will sign Block 5 of the 8610-2 application
• That will qualify you to take to the written exams
• Once written exams are completed successfully, you will be eligible to take the Oral and Practical exam.
• Find your local FSDO here: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo

Don't hesitate to call and we'll be happy to talk through the process with you.

The test usually continues even if one or more sections are failed. Only failed sections will need to be retested.  Sections successfully passed are valid for two years.

Pursuant to  14 CFR 65.19, if an applicant desires to retest within the next 30 days of the initial test, a letter proving additional instruction for the section(s) failed was provided by an appropriately rated mechanic is required.  After the 30 days, no letter is needed, however, it is expected the applicant reviewed failed sections.