CAT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CAT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which aerospace standard specifically governs the requirements for aerospace manufacturers' quality management systems in the United States? → AS9100
2. What type of certification can help an aerospace technician qualify for higher-paying, specialized roles? → NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) Certification
3. What type of training is often provided by employers to supplement formal education for aerospace technicians? → On-the-Job Training (OJT)
4. At what frequency do most aircraft AC electrical systems operate? → 400 Hz
5. When using an ohmmeter to test electrical continuity in aircraft wiring, what reading indicates a complete circuit? → Near-zero ohms resistance
6. What is the primary function of an aircraft's hydraulic system in large commercial aircraft? → To actuate flight controls, landing gear, and brakes
7. What is the correct first step when discovering a potential safety of flight issue during aircraft maintenance? → Ground the aircraft and document the finding immediately
8. What is the purpose of an aircraft Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) circuit? → To detect and interrupt unintended leakage currents flowing to the airframe
9. Which wire insulation material is most commonly used in aircraft applications for its high-temperature resistance and low flammability? → PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene/Teflon)
10. How does knowledge of safety regulations benefit a certified aerospace technician? → It ensures they comply with industry standards to maintain safety.
11. What does TCAS stand for and what is its primary function? → Traffic Collision Avoidance System; it provides advisories to prevent mid-air collisions
12. What type of corrosion is most common where two different metals are in contact in a moist environment? → Galvanic corrosion
13. Why is attention to detail considered a vital skill for aerospace technicians? → It ensures they follow all safety and maintenance standards correctly.
14. What is the purpose of an Airworthiness Directive (AD)? → To mandate corrective action for known unsafe conditions in aircraft
15. Why is mechanical aptitude a key competency for aerospace technicians? → It enables them to work effectively with machinery, tools, and diagnostic equipment.
16. Which job title might an aerospace technician aspire to after gaining experience and additional training? → Quality Control Inspector
17. Which navigation system uses a network of VHF ground-based transmitters to provide azimuth information to aircraft? → VOR
18. What does the term 'V-speeds' refer to in aviation? → Defined airspeeds critical to aircraft operation and safety
19. What does a multimeter measure that makes it essential in aerospace avionics troubleshooting? → Voltage, current, and resistance across electrical components and circuits
20. In a turbofan engine, what is the purpose of the bypass ratio? → It describes the ratio of air bypassing the engine core to air flowing through the core
21. What is the function of a Constant Current Regulator (CCR) used in aircraft runway lighting circuits? → Maintain steady current through series-connected lamp circuits regardless of lamp count
22. Which of the following certifications is widely recognized as a baseline certification for aerospace technicians? → AET (Aerospace Electronics Technician) Certification
23. What is the significance of the 'Yellow Tag' on an aircraft part in a maintenance environment? → The part is repairable and has been inspected but is not airworthy until repaired
24. Which regulation governs the maintenance record-keeping requirements for U.S.-registered aircraft? → 14 CFR Part 43
25. Which data bus standard is used in modern aircraft such as the Boeing 787 for high-speed Ethernet-based avionics networking? → ARINC 664 (AFDX)
26. What action must be taken when a technician discovers a defect beyond the scope of authorized work during an inspection? → Stop work and notify the appropriate supervisory or certifying authority
27. What is the function of an aircraft's pitot-static system? → To measure airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed by sensing air pressure
28. Which test instrument should an aerospace technician use to measure the insulation resistance of aircraft wiring in megohms? → Megohmmeter (Megger)
29. What does ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) transmit to improve situational awareness? → Aircraft GPS-derived position, altitude, velocity, and identification to all receivers
30. What is the primary purpose of a Safety Management System (SMS) in aerospace organizations? → To proactively identify and mitigate safety risks before accidents occur