This handbook, FAA-H-8083-30B, is current in 2025. It supersedes the obsolete FAA-H-8083-30A. This edition is printed in full color.

The Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook--General (FAA-H-8083-30B) was developed as one of a series of three handbooks for persons preparing for mechanic certification with airframe or powerplant ratings, or both. Specifically, it will help instructors and applicants preparing for the FAA Knowledge Exam and Oral & Practical (O&P) Exams required to obtain an Aviation Mechanic Certificate with Airframe and/or Powerplant Ratings (also called an A&P license). Reflecting current technologies, equipment and procedures, this edition provides the guidance to support the FAA Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and 14 CFR Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools.

This handbook will provide basic information on principles, fundamentals, and technical procedures in the subject matter areas common to both the airframe and powerplant ratings.

Emphasis in this volume is both on theory and methods of application. The handbook is designed to aid students enrolled in a formal course of instruction preparing for FAA certification as a maintenance technician as well as for current technicians who wish to improve their knowledge.

Subjects covered include safety, ground operations, and servicing; regulations, maintenance forms, records, and publications; mathematics in aviation maintenance; aircraft drawings; physics for aviation; aircraft weight and balance; aircraft materials, hardware, and processes; cleaning and corrosion control; fluid lines and fittings; inspection concepts and techniques; hand tools and measuring devices; fundamentals of electricity and electronics; mechanic privileges and limitations; and human factors.

This volume contains information on mathematics, aircraft drawings, weight and balance, aircraft materials, processes and tools, physics, electricity, inspection, ground operations, and FAA regulations governing the certification and work of maintenance technicians.

Illustrated throughout with detailed, full-color drawings and photographs, the handbook also offers a comprehensive glossary and index.