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Large aircraft weight threshold

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 10 of 37 on Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications. ACS element AM.I.I.K6 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONUnder the definition in 14 CFR part 1 as described in the handbook, an aircraft is a large aircraft when its maximum certificated takeoff weight is at least what value?

  1. A6,000 pounds
  2. B7,500 pounds of payload capacity
  3. C12,500 pounds
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. 12,500 pounds

  • A — incorrect 6,000 pounds is the payload capacity figure used in the applicability of part 125, not the large aircraft definition.
  • B — incorrect A payload capacity greater than 7,500 pounds is part of the part 121 domestic and flag operation definitions, not the part 1 definition of a large aircraft.
  • C — correct The handbook states that an aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or more is a large aircraft under the part 1 definition.

BACKGROUND

14 CFR part 1 contains the definitions used throughout the Federal Aviation Regulations, and the Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook–General relies on it when explaining which operating rules apply. The handbook states that the determination of whether an aircraft is large or small is based on the part 1 definition: an aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or more is a large aircraft, and all aircraft below 12,500 pounds are small aircraft. The same 12,500-pound figure reappears elsewhere in the chapter, for example as the upper limit for the applicability of the data in Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-1 and 43.13-2. Other weight figures in the chapter, such as the 6,000-pound payload in part 125 and the 7,500-pound payload in part 121, describe operating-rule applicability rather than the definition of a large aircraft.

STUDY TIP

Keep 12,500 pounds tied to the words large aircraft and maximum certificated takeoff weight; the other weights in the chapter refer to payload capacity.

KEY POINTS

  • Part 1 defines a large aircraft as one with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or more.
  • Aircraft below 12,500 pounds are small aircraft.
  • The large/small distinction helps determine which operating part (91, 121, 125, or 135) applies.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch02 "14 CFR Part 119--Certification: Air Carriers and Commercial Operators" (large vs. small aircraft per 14 CFR part 1)
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.