FAA Publishes August Airman Testing Community Advisory

The FAA published its latest version of the ATCA, the advisory produced by the Testing Standards Section to communicate changes to certification testing, standards, and supporting reference materials. The following updates are particularly relevant to aviation maintenance technician schools and their students:

• Practical test questions have been revised. Questions now align more directly with assigned projects, technical data, and advisory circulars. The FAA expects this change to reduce subjective “look up and explain” questions and create a more consistent, practical testing experience.
• DMEs have greater discretion when evaluating answers. Examiners may determine whether an answer is acceptable based on the assigned project, manufacturer information, and approved reference materials.
• All practical projects have been reviewed under the new framework. The advisory reports that changes to the General O&P were activated on April 20, 2026; Airframe changes were scheduled for activation on July 20, 2026; and Powerplant changes were in final review.
• Retests will follow the framework used for the initial test. If an applicant completed the initial practical test before activation of the new framework, the retest will be based on the content and requirements in effect before the activation date.
• Guidance was clarified for the Malfunction or Defect Report project. Applicants will be asked to complete a fillable or printed FAA Form 8010-4 and not the electronic Service Difficulty Reporting System.
• A liquid penetrant inspection kit is planned for the DME Minimum Tools and Equipment List. The FAA will add the kit as required DME equipment in December 2026. Although this requirement applies to DMEs, schools should ensure students receive adequate exposure to the equipment and associated nondestructive testing procedures.
• AMT knowledge tests are being assessed. Assessments of the General, Airframe, and Powerplant knowledge tests are underway, with resulting changes anticipated in 2027. As a reminder, testing content must correspond to an element in the Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards and be supported by an applicable FAA reference, as described in the Mechanic ACS Companion Guide.
• Images are being incorporated directly into knowledge-test questions. General, Airframe, and Powerplant examinations now include questions with embedded images. The FAA has not established a date for removing printed testing supplements and has stated that advance notice will be provided before that occurs.

The ATCA is generally published every other month, and the FAA has indicated that a supplement to the August edition is expected later this month. Training organizations are encouraged to subscribe to the FAA Airman Testing webpage to receive notifications when new advisories are released.