Does anyone know if during the A&P oral & practical exam, can you bring along and refer to references, such as AC43 or some form of text book
In my experience it was an oral and practical. During the oral portion the DME will ask enough questions to allow a 70% pass (his discretion as to the time frame if you blew the first allotment , he can keep going). The practical was simple, general,airframe and exhibition of power plant knowledge. No books to my memory.
Generally, if the DME feels you have the knowledge and experience he will work with you through the foolish questions of antiquated processes in the A&P syllabus.