What To Study And Expect When You Take Your O&P With A DME.

In this video, I am going to discuss what you should study and how to prepare for the O&P (Oral and Practical) test for your Airframe And Power Plant certificate (A&P ). It does not have to be as stressful as some make it out to be. If you are taking classes to become an aircraft mechanic or are already working just not as an A&P then you should find this video helpful. Remember a DME or Designated Mechanic Examiner is just a person so ask about their career in aviation and what they have done.
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Please comment below what you did to study or any suggestions you might have and as always.
Be, easy.
0:00 Intro
1:00 Question 1
1:55 Question 2
2:36 Find the ACS
3:43 Prepare for tasks
4:54 Relax and eat
6:02 Don't B.S.
6:41 Retesting
8:30 Outro

[@YourNot_ThatguyPal23]

I just passed my oral and practical for powerplant

[@brycebuildsit]

My man congratulations, who did you go to again?

[@YourNot_ThatguyPal23]

Vance Watson, in Houston

[@Jjjjjjc]

Goodjob.

[@Ltholst7]

Did they allow you to take it individually from the Airframe?

[@timecloud6342]

Congrats

[@joelrosario4272]

This video was super helpful. I have prior military experience and I signed up for a 2-week prep course starting September 11. I feel a lot more confident after watching this video.

[@devinmadren1819]

How did it go? What prep school did you go to? I am a civilian apprentice with 36 months experience. Just got approved to take the tests. But I want to go to a prep school before I test.

[@benderandownz]

All I have to say is, thank you guys for keeping me safe!

[@jehielfaustino9549]

Thank you this was helpful, i just passed my written exams and now reviewing on o&p i appreciate what you do airman.

[@MrWinsor]

I just started a sheet metal airframe apprenticeship, I'm 1.5 months in to training, I'll get to touch a real plane in just under 20 days. Information like this is gold to someone like me that wants to learn everything 🤙🏻

[@mojo7618]

Great videos, thank you

[@kinoryu9512]

I just passed my Powerplant Written, and am looking to schedule my General & Powerplant O&P, one of my past instructors offers a 1 day refresher course for the O&P. Definitely gonna take that.

[@kinoryu9512]

Update: I just passed my Gen. & Powerplant O&P, LFG!! 😄

[@PeteySantana]

Just passed my O&P and obtained my A&P. The oral and practicals are so much easier than the written test.

[@vitalikll7293]

I got a question for you. Did u study everything for your O’s or did u just study the ones you missed

[@PeteySantana]

@@vitalikll7293 I studied everything . I only studied Jeppesson Study guide and passed with flying colors .

[@ar-1571]

@@vitalikll7293is that really so? I am in trade school and someone said the EXACT same.. but easier how?

[@user-tn4rm6vb7e]

Can you answer the question above

[@PeteySantana]

I only used the Jeppeson book study guide and passed easily.

[@mnal5gex]

Ty! I’m going for my o&p in the next month!

[@brycebuildsit]

Good luck

[@Darqstorms]

Any updates my friend?

[@mojo7618]

It’s been several years since I finished my A&P school but I never really got my license, I am gonna try get those written out of the way and see how to deal with the O&P nightmare later

[@jamridd14]

I just got my A&P and i was unlucky getting a lot of level 3 projects lol. I had to do a compression test on an engine, remove a piston from a cylinder, and file a knick out of a propeller blade for my powerplant license, and i had to inspect and adjust the tension of a primary flight control cable and do a sheet metal repair for airframe. Luckily my school prepared me for everything.

[@brycebuildsit]

Some people have it easy and get all level 1's but it seems there is no correlation to tasks based off the written. Practical's still seem to be random luck of the draw.

[@user-em9lf1jo5k]

I love all your videos! thx! I'm considering going for my aircraft mechanic certificate at a community college in my city (San Antonio) and I'm trying to learn as much as I can about the field beforehand. I used to be a flight student and I enjoyed flying so much! I unfortunately couldn't afford to do it for too long but I'm hoping to maybe get back some day.

[@HamedSiddiq]

Got my general & airframe O&P coming up in 3 days! Excited but nervous too even though i know i shouldn't be since i've been taught everything i need to know in school. Pretty confident in the oral portion, it's just the idea of not knowing the practicals i'll be given is slightly daunting. Just looking forward to getting it over with! -will try to update this comment with how it goes :)

[@brycebuildsit]

Good luck, you will feel much more relaxed once the test starts.

[@HamedSiddiq]

@@brycebuildsit thanks man 😎

[@HamedSiddiq]

Passed! 😁

[@brycebuildsit]

I'll tell you like I tell my students when they pass. Big dog bigger nuts. Congrats

[@HamedSiddiq]

@@brycebuildsit hahaha. Thank you!

[@Stayawayfromislam2]

I wish I was in your class. My teacher was so harsh on us he didn’t want us to ask him questions, asking questions to him meant that you are not paying attention

[@brycebuildsit]

It truly breaks my heart to hear this. When my students are asking me lots of questions , I assume they're not understanding it because i'm not doing a good job , of teaching it and often tried to change my method. What school are you at if you don't buy me asking

[@chuggon7595]

I've been thinking of becoming an airplane mechanic as airplanes have always been really neat things for me! My problem is that I haven't done anything for aviation before, so would you suggest I become an aircraft fueler for a little while just to see what the industry is like??

[@brycebuildsit]

You could, but I'll say this. I have had students before who have never touched a wrench in their life go though our program and get an A&P. I think working as a ramp ape or a fuelie is a great idea but once you start school for your A&P it's going to be very difficult to work full time. I don't know if that was helpful or not but thank you for watching.

[@diegomendoza712]

I am looking for the practical possible questions to be asked on the FAA website you mentioned, I cannot find them. Is it possible you can attach the link? Thank yiu

[@john.harrison]

i didn't realize they changed the question in july. i got through general and air-frame by studying the questions that would be on the test and i got a barely passing 75 on the powerplant written after being told that day the questions have changed. I'm told the new books wont come out for a while and have no idea how im going to study for my O&P powerplant. is the old book of study questions completely useless? how do i study if i dont know what to memorize which is what got me this far?

[@JF238xLearning]

👍🏼💯

[@melostrings4217]

i have my o and p's the 10th. Kind of nervous because my dme said he wouldnt tell me the subjects he will be testing me on but the oral questions are definitely easier than the written test themselves. thank you for the advice on the practical's

[@brycebuildsit]

Well, that's rude, lol. Our local DME tells us exactly what to have our students study.

[@melostrings4217]

@@brycebuildsit yeah it kind of sucks but i feel good enough to just follow the manual correctly step by step. Just looking forward to getting it done i had to wait because they implemented the new test so they weren't testing for about a month

[@natkoehler]

@@melostrings4217how did your test go? Were the questions related to the ones you missed on written? How many questions you had? Thanks!

[@melostrings4217]

@@natkoehler I passed!!! No the questions were different from the ones I missed, they were just general questions that you need to know. I had 18 general questions and 33 airframe questions

[@natkoehler]

@@melostrings4217 Congratulations! !! Thanks for the info!

[@MoreBlackWhirlybirds]

I'm excited to start my process into getting my A&P but since I'm going through an apprenticeship instead of through schooling, I'm afraid of the practical portion. Do you reckon there will be much stuff on the practical that I won't be exposed to during my apprenticeship? If so, how do you recommend I gain experience with this? Only thing I can think of if my jobsite doesn't offer it is perhaps going somewhere else and asking to do volunteer work or just ask about said subjects.

[@brycebuildsit]

The practical is pretty easy. However, you will have projects for magnetos so if you are at a major you will need to learn them. My Advice would be to take a crash course or prep school for just the practicals.

[@Regular_Guys]

Hello Bryce! Great video! I am a prior Air Force aircraft mechanic but I haven't touched a jet in about 8 years. I really want to get back into aerospace but I'm not really sure where to start. I am moving to Tucson and they have a community college with an A&P Exam Prep course, but also offer full programs for each individual certification (general, Airframe, Powerplant). As someone who has prior aircraft experience, do you recommend going through the full courses, or just doing the exam prep course and seeing where that lands me? Thanks in advance!

[@brycebuildsit]

If you are already experienced and feel confident, I'd just do the prep course, save yourself 18 months, and some money. However, if you feel like you've been away too long, the full program may be better for you.

[@Regular_Guys]

@@brycebuildsit ok so let me ask you this? What’s the best way to gauge how familiar you are with the material? Is it just a matter of taking a practice test to see how you do? Are there benefits to taking a course at a community college over just buying the Aviation Tech Handbooks and Test Prep books and studying on my own? Thanks for the input.

[@2010hondacbr1000rr]

I was an aircraft mechanic in the AF for 6 years. Got out in 2015. Just started 16 month school and it’s good I did. It’s a ton of new material that I didn’t know in the AF. And we get paid to go to school, soooo…

[@GhadSpeed]

Im doing my writtens for Airframe and general @ bakers then going to ATL for my O&Ps. I hope this video helps me. I got signed off for my airframes from meeting the requirements under FAR 65.77 (Civilian OJT EXP). If theres any tips lmk.

[@MoreBlackWhirlybirds]

I'm hoping my 18 months of experience with chinooks counts for something of OJT to cut the time down of my apprenticeship if I feel I'm ready to start testing.

[@aliheath5654]

I am taking my O&P’s on the 31st of this month for general and powerplant. I am worried about the practicals

[@brycebuildsit]

Look over the ACS on the FAA website to see a list of projects in each section. Make sure you use a manual or a procedure for everything, and you'll be just fine. Best of luck.

[@bigchungus1848]

Would You still recommend studying from the jeppeson books and textbooks even for the new testing standards, which begins august 1st?

[@brycebuildsit]

Yes, the oral questions will be the same. The amount you will be asked is based off of written scores now.

[@southerntraveler1368]

So I made a 70% on the dot for my general written and by the time I take my oral in December I’ll be under the acs standard do you know how many questions from each section in the general area

[@brycebuildsit]

I don't have an honest answer but I'll talk to one of my colleagues on Monday he went to the FAA seminar and knows that answer.

[@koolburn5218]

My buddy that went to a crash course did oral and practical only had access to old stuff, went to a dme that tested him on totally different things. From the sound of it the test doesn't make sense and is too broad.

[@brycebuildsit]

Interesting with crash course did he go to.

[@JJFN-zm3ky]

My issue is my confidence.. I have 3 blocks left for airframe but they have me in powerplant. I’m like 5 blocks away from being able to take my powerplant written..I’m about to delete social media and focus on myself and study..I want this career badly

[@brycebuildsit]

Stay focused, and don't let failure slow you down. Lots of people don't get it the first time around. No job will ever as or know how you did

[@Carlcameron6638]

Quick questions my bro ,so I’m studying to take the oral and paratical for general and airframe,so the questions I missed on the airframe ,that’s what I should study right ?thats the ones they will ask ?

[@brycebuildsit]

They won't ask those exact questions but questions based on the same knowledge. On the written test report is a list of AMG codes or knowledge codes, those tie back to the text books and the questions you missed.

[@joshuabennett7334]

I have almost a decade of experience in the military and am now working as a sheet metal worker. I am confident in the airframes and general but the power plant is a little concerning for me

[@brycebuildsit]

Have you considered a prep/crash course. I'm sure there is one for just PowerPlant.

[@sola9626]

would this apply to the new testing that would be applying starting Aug.1.2023?

[@brycebuildsit]

Yes, the biggest difference is how the oral portion is given. That is now based on written scores. Some DME are telling people exactly what to study and others are not. But I've been hearing a mix of Jepison, and ASA is the best course of action.

[@natkoehler]

I took my written on pts and will do O&P in ACS. Should I focus on the subjects I missed ? How do I know how many questions would it be? Thanks!

[@brycebuildsit]

Questions could be as few as 1 per section if you got a 100 and as many as 26 worst cases. The FAA has not explicitly said how many you will get, so we are still collecting data from our students as they test. As far as subjects go, look over the ACS on the FAA website to help gauge what subjects you may be week on.

[@natkoehler]

@@brycebuildsit thanks!

[@modelaircraft6576]

Still in school for power plant Passed the General and the Airframe 3months ago. Will the new changes with the F.A.A effect my O.&.P, or will it effect the ones who takes it after the changes

[@brycebuildsit]

Yes, it will. However, the only thing changing on the O&P is how many questions the DME will ask. That will be based on your written score. The projects will still be the same.

[@modelaircraft6576]

@@brycebuildsit I got 80% in general and 88% in airframes, thanks 🙏 good info to know

[@hieudang4823]

Does your school require students to complete a verbal capstone test in order to pass the class and progress to the next term?

[@brycebuildsit]

We do not but I know some others do

[@musabalghamdi6568]

I have a military experience and i need school that can prepare me to take a test in Virginia do you know how much they usually take money and time?

[@brycebuildsit]

I am not sure. I went to Bakers School in Tennessee for my IA. I think most of them last a week or 2 for an A&P. I felt like Bakers was worth it for my IA though Sorry I'm not more helpful. If you call your local FSDO they may be able to tell you some in your area

[@r4raced4doom2]

There are 2-3 week cram schools geared towards Military/civilian OJT guys. They usually cost around $3-5k. But they usually have a DME or two on site that will test you on the spot.

[@courtlandholmes418]

I have a question when it comes to the part about asking the dme what to study for orals will he give me an honest answer since the faa is changing the questions around now. Will he actually know what to study or is he in the dark like everyone else?

[@brycebuildsit]

The oral questions haven't changed. The change is how many he has to ask. Before, it was at least 4 in each section no more than 10. Now it's determined based on your written score, so if you did great, he might only ask a total of 26 oral questions, but if you did poorly, it would be many more.

[@courtlandholmes418]

@@brycebuildsit ok I was worried they changed and added oral questions but I guess that's just for the written.

[@TheFlick175]

My DME was yelling at me telling me I was about to leave without a license and I was just like ,, sorry man im trying my best here😅😅😅 still passed though, hard to think its been ever a year already

[@brycebuildsit]

Well, that's not very nice of him. Congratulations on passing though.

[@amymor7]

What common sections do most people fail ??

[@brycebuildsit]

It really depends on the person, most commonly people struggle with electricity, sheet metal and either turbines or recip engines

[@Yeaa12]

Mine is too soon haha, and I’m already nervous 😂. How long should i study for my oral?

[@brycebuildsit]

As long as it takes lol, it took me about 2 weeks memorizing flash cards. My DME used Jepison so I just lived and breathed that for every day. I made flash cards to make it easy.

[@Yeaa12]

@@brycebuildsit does the DME go detail for detail thou?

[@brycebuildsit]

Nope, you only need to say as much as necessary to answer the question. Ex. If he asks what should you do after a cylinder fails a compression, you can answer a boreascope. You don't have to give the entire paragraph that Jepison or prepware gives. If he feels like he wants more he'll ask.

[@Yeaa12]

@@brycebuildsit so you recommend just memorizing the question and answer?Thanks btw for the responds

[@brycebuildsit]

I'm sorry it's not a better answer, don't get me wrong, you want to understand the material but allot of it is just remembering information.

[@donovanderden4008]

How long do you have to wait after failing?

[@brycebuildsit]

30 days, or get retrained by a person holding the certificate you seek and you can re-test immediately if the DME is able.

[@brycebuildsit]

I've had guys fail, come get retrained by me. Test a few days later and pass

[@hendogg1299]

Can i just take a power plant class instead of both?

[@brycebuildsit]

You can take just the P. Lots of people do the downside is, if you ever want to work outside of an engine shop, they will want the A as well.

[@hendogg1299]

@@brycebuildsit so i can't go to any shop with just a P? I don't care for the body part just engine.

[@brycebuildsit]

Correct, places like standard aero, or General Electric will still hire you

[@johndill943]

Should make a vid about the Writtens

[@vincentmckinnon9152]

only thing to do for the writtens is study the hell out of ASA and do as many practice tests on prepware as humanly possible

[@millmoto6756]

There’s an app you can use, I used only that app and I passed all 3 written a in the same week

[@yakwill2084]

4 more classes for my airframe im ready

[@Jreddygo]

This dude has airplanes tattooed on his arms that’s how dedicated he is to his career….Lmfaoooo 🤣😆

[@brycebuildsit]

"I care very much about aviation" Howard Hughes. The plan is to have a full sleeve on my other arm that has nothing to do with aircraft but tattoos are not cheap

[@christianmorales3778]

I asked a dme what to study he was very unhelpful when I asked what to study he just told me study it all

[@brycebuildsit]

Look up stache air on Facebook he's a dme out of Cali who posts allot of resources

[@Darqstorms]

Wow what an asshole. I hope everything went well for you though

[@Dr.Banner-ss4jp]

Relax, an A&P is a license to learn.

[@brycebuildsit]

100% true. I tell my students you will learn more in your first year on the job than here at school.