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Electrostatic discharge

One of the topics candidates miss most on the Aviation Mechanic General written test. It sits under General: Basic Electricity (Task A) in the FAA standards, code AM.I.A.K24.

Updated September 2026 · Reporting window: 2nd Quarter CY2025 (Jul 2024 to Jun 2025)

74.91%
of A&P General candidates miss this code
8th
most-missed of 9 codes the FAA lists
Moderate
threat level

What this topic actually is

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a sudden flow of static electricity between two objects at different charge levels. The shock off a doorknob is a big one, but the ones that matter here are small: a few hundred volts, below what you can feel, is enough to destroy or silently weaken a modern avionics component.

The exam tests how you prevent ESD, not the physics. The whole idea is to equalize potential: bond yourself, the bench, and the component to the same ground so no charge difference can build and jump. That means an approved wrist strap and grounded mat, and anti-static packaging for sensitive parts.

Where to study this
Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, General (FAA-H-8083-30), basic electricity chapter.
Read Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook, General on Aviator IQ →

Why most candidates miss it

Candidates confuse insulation with protection. They pick rubber gloves or working fast, when the fix is the opposite of insulating: connect everything to a common ground so charge cannot build a difference. The trap that catches people: skipping a safe-handling step. Try it yourself.

Sample trap question

Before handling a static-sensitive avionics circuit card, the technician should first:

How to master it

Remember one word: equalize. Anything that ties you and the part to the same ground prevents ESD; anything that isolates you (gloves, speed, plastic) does not. That single distinction answers almost every ESD question.

Then lock it in with repetition. The A&P General written test practice on Aviator IQ is built from the same FAA handbooks and figures, and every answer cites its source.

The one thing to remember

ESD control equalizes charge to a common ground. Insulating yourself does the opposite.

More questions people miss on the A&P General

This code is one of several the A&P General catches people on. Here are example questions across the topics candidates miss most. Try each for an instant breakdown.

1. Ohm's law

A circuit has 12 volts applied across 4 ohms of resistance. The current flowing is:

2. Series and parallel circuits

In a series circuit, which quantity is the same through every component?

3. Galvanic corrosion

When two dissimilar metals are joined with an electrolyte present, the metal that corrodes is the one that is more:

4. Static-sensitive components

Before handling a static-sensitive electronic component, the technician should:

5. Aircraft weight and balance

Removing weight from a point forward of the datum will move the center of gravity:

6. Ratios and mixtures

A mixture calls for 3 parts of fluid A to 1 part of fluid B. To make 8 gallons of mixture, how much of fluid A do you need?

7. Bernoulli's principle

According to Bernoulli's principle, as the velocity of a moving fluid increases, its static pressure:

8. Fueling safety

When fueling an aircraft, bonding and grounding are used to:

9. Maintenance records

A maintenance record entry approving an aircraft for return to service must include the date, a description of the work, and:

10. Aircraft hardware

The grip length of an AN bolt should be chosen so that:

Sources & data notes
  • Pass rates, volumes, and average scores are the FAA's published figures. Difficulty rankings and threat levels are Aviator IQ's analysis of that public data, not official FAA ratings.
  • Aviator IQ is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Federal Aviation Administration.

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