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Most common honeycomb core material

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 10 of 30 on Non-Metallic Structures. ACS element AM.II.B.K20 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONWhat is the most common core material used for aircraft honeycomb structures?

  1. AAluminum foil
  2. BAramid paper
  3. CBalsa wood
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Aramid paper

  • A — incorrect Aluminum core offers the best strength-to-weight ratio and energy absorption, but it is not the most commonly used core in aircraft honeycomb.
  • B — correct The handbook identifies aramid paper as the most common core material used for aircraft honeycomb structures.
  • C — incorrect Balsa is a structural core material, but it has considerably higher density than other structural cores and is not the common honeycomb core.

BACKGROUND

Sandwich construction bonds thin, strong face sheets to a lightweight core to gain high bending stiffness at very low weight. Many core materials exist, including kraft paper, thermoplastics, aluminum, steel, specialty metals, fiberglass, carbon, and ceramics, each with its own properties. The handbook states that the most common core material for aircraft honeycomb structures is aramid paper, which is flame resistant, fire retardant, and a good insulator with good formability. Fiberglass core is used for higher strength applications. Honeycomb cells for aerospace use are usually hexagonal, and higher density core is stronger and stiffer than lower density core.

STUDY TIP

Learn the common core by name and pair each of the other core materials with the one property the handbook highlights for it.

KEY POINTS

  • Aramid paper is the most common aircraft honeycomb core.
  • Fiberglass core is used for higher strength applications.
  • Aerospace honeycomb cells are usually hexagonal.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-31B ch07 "Core Materials"
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MORE ON NON-METALLIC STRUCTURES

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.