In this guide, we will talk about the various training requirements in aviation, the common syllabus, and how to build an effective study plan for pilot exams.
Pilot exams are meant to test the aptitude of candidates who want to fulfil their dreams of operating aircraft. These exams are conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority and are designed to test pilots on various theoretical and practical subjects. The goal of these exams is to sort out the best of the best from the candidate pool and produce highly capable next-generation pilots.
Studying for a pilot exam may seem daunting, after all, there are a lot of complicated subjects in the syllabus. However, with the right strategy, anyone can build an effective study plan for pilot exams.
In this guide, we will talk about the various training requirements in aviation, the common syllabus, and how to build an effective study plan for pilot exams.
Pilot Exams – Basic Requirements
There are two main types of pilot licences. The first is the Privat Pilot Licence (PPL) which is designed for people who only want to take up aviation as a hobby instead of pursuing a career in it. The other is the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) which is for pilots who want to build an aviation career and follow a typical career ladder.
Both pilot programmes require training – however the depth and difficulty level of each programme can vary, with commercial programmes requiring more in-depth training and having relatively more challenging exams.
A Private Pilot Licence can be thought of as a slightly relaxed version of a CPL. As per the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), all private pilots are expected to perform at their best and conduct their activities with utmost professional judgment.
Applying for a Private Pilot Licence requires a basic assessment that involves factoring in what you expect from the licence. For pilots who want to operate larger aircraft or take on more ambitious certifications, then a CPL would be best for them. As mentioned above, if you wish to fly the skies for recreation without expecting compensation then the PPL will suit your needs better.
The good news is that if you ever decide to go for a Commercial Pilot Licence then you can pick up training right where you left it during your PPL. Since a CPL expands on PPL training, many pilots find going for a PPL first before deciding on a CPL to be a great route. When you get a good idea about the world of aviation and the thrill of flying aircraft from a PPL, you can go all in and invest in a Commercial Pilot Licence.
How to Create a Study Plan for Pilot Exams
Here are some great strategies to help you build the right study plan for PPL or CPL pilot exams:
Learn the Exam Structure
As mentioned above, there are two main categories of pilots with several certifications and sub-licences. Let’s go over each licence and its exam structure.
A Private Pilot Licence (PPL) programme includes theoretical exams on subjects like Air Law, Navigation, Meteorology, and Human Performance. It is worth mentioning that these subjects are taught in detail so that pilots understand the theoretical side of aviation, however, compared to a CPL, PPL candidates don’t get to go into the depths of each topic. Instead, you get a condensed version of these topics with the option to expand on your understanding later if and when you pursue a CPL.
A Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) includes more in-depth theoretical knowledge with additional subjects. A CPL programme has 13 in-depth subjects:
- Air Law
- Operational Procedures
- Meteorology
- Human Performance & Limitations
- Principles of Flight (More in-depth than PPL)
- Aircraft General Knowledge (AGK) - Airframe, Systems, and Powerplant
- Aircraft General Knowledge (AGK) - Instrumentation
- Flight Performance & Planning – Mass & Balance
- Flight Performance & Planning – Performance
- General Navigation
- Radio Navigation
- VFR Communications
- IFR Communications
Finally, there is also the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) programme which also includes 13 challenging exams covering advanced aviation topics. All these exams are regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and follow EASA-style multiple-choice questions.
Setting a Realistic Timeline
Pilot training is serious business and requires quite a lot of planning and scheduling. If you are a pilot who is studying full-time then you may be easily able to build a strong schedule and routine for training. However, if you are someone who is taking aviation as a part-time endeavour then the biggest challenge for you may be in designing a realistic timeline for training.
In general, PPL theory exams can be completed within 3-6 months of rigorous training while CPL or ATPL exams can take up to a year of dedicated study. You will also need to factor in your work hours, family time, social activities, and practice hours. The best advice for candidates is to come up with a solution that doesn’t overwhelm them and lead to burnout. You can take a slow and steady approach towards these exams instead of overburdening yourself.
Getting the Right Study Materials
Studying for pilot exams requires candidates to gather the right study materials which include office CAA books or material from recommended sources like your flight school. Candidates are also encouraged to check out online question banks to prepare themselves for these exams. Online tests such as the Aviation Exam, BGS online, or ATPLGS are great starting points for candidates who want to test their theoretical knowledge.
Ultimately, you will need to follow the study materials provided by your flight school. We encourage candidates to talk to their instructors and form study groups with other candidates for the best experience.
Creating a Strong Schedule
The best way to get the most out of your schedule is to meticulously plan and stick to it until you take the exam. Here is an example of a schedule that candidates can lean on for a CPL exam:
|
Week |
Subjects Covered |
Study Hours/Day |
|
1-2 |
Air Law, Ops Procedures |
3-4 |
|
3-4 |
Meteorology, Human Performance |
3-4 |
|
5-6 |
Principles of Flight, Aircraft General Knowledge |
4-5 |
|
7-8 |
Navigation, Performance |
4-5 |
|
9-10 |
Flight Planning, Radio Navigation |
4-5 |
|
11-12 |
Revision & Question Banks |
6+ |
Students must take on no more than 2-3 subjects at a time to avoid overload. Candidates will need to allocate at least one full day for revision per week and take mock exams regularly to test their knowledge and get a better understanding of their preparation.
Join Study Groups
As mentioned above, the best way to get the most out of your theoretical training is to join a study group or opt for combined study sessions for difficult subjects. This is by far the best way to learn complex subjects quickly. By studying together, each candidate can share their expertise on a topic and learn from each other. Group studying can also alleviate the stress of studying alone and make you feel like a part of a club where everyone is invested in the same goal.
Plan Exam Bookings Effectively
Book your exams in a way that is suitable for your schedule and convenience. UK CAA exams are taken at CAA-approved test centres, so we encourage candidates to find the nearest exam centre and book their exams according to their schedule. We recommend that candidates book exams at least a month in advance to secure a slot and avoid booking multiple difficult exams on the same day.
Training Syllabus and Theory
Now that you know everything about creating a study plan for pilot exams, let’s dive a bit into some of the important subjects of pilot exams:
Navigation
This subject is one of the foundations of any pilot exam and requires pilots to learn how to precisely navigate the skies and orient themselves using the onboard instrument panel. Navigation is supremely important in aviation and enables pilots to use various techniques and instrument readings to navigate to their destinations.
Navigation can be simple or complex depending on various scenarios. For example, in simpler light aircraft, a simple compass can help you navigate, but if want to plan a difficult route, then a compass won't cut it and make navigation challenging! However, in larger aircraft, you can depend on multiple instrument readings that include radar, compass, altitude, and much more making navigation easier and more thorough.
Meteorology
This subject is about weather conditions and the factors that allow for a smooth fight. Aircraft perform their best when they are flown in favourable weather conditions. For example, if there is heavy rain, hail, or high-speed winds, these factors will directly impact the flight.
Adverse weather conditions impact visibility and can severely disrupt the navigation process. Light aircraft, in particular, don’t have complex navigational tools that can safely navigate pilots during bad weather conditions which can make it extremely difficult to fly.
Meteorology involves studying weather patterns and how they affect flight. Pilots are also expected to learn about the subtle changes in weather conditions and how they can avoid potential issues during flight.
Principles of Flight
The principle of Flight covers the performance and the ability of an aircraft to fly. These core principles are crucial to understanding and enabling pilots to safely operate aircraft under various conditions.
Principles of Flight involves learning about aerodynamics, a subject that dives into the physics and science of how airflow affects a moving body. Furthermore, there are various other subtopics related to lift, thrust, drag, and weight.
By acing this subject, pilots can fly aircraft efficiently, and more importantly, safely. This topic also covers crucial theoretical knowledge about stability and control, directional stability, and the effect of control surfaces on the aircraft.
Radio Aids
Learning how to operate the radio is crucial for not just effective navigation but also for safe flights. All pilots must communicate using proper etiquette and learn the basics of operating radio equipment. Pilots communicate using specialised phraseology to keep communication short, meaningful, and effective. These radio commands must be learnt by all pilots to ensure safer skies for everyone.
Depending on the type of aircraft, the communication equipment will vary from simple to complex, and most PPL candidates are expected to learn all about communication instruments so that they can effectively communicate their position, flight situation, or any emergency.
For the best experience, we recommend that candidates practice radio skills and test each other on radio knowledge by studying in groups. In a group setting, candidates can test each other by presenting various phrases and scenarios. This is an excellent way to not just learn but also discover new phrases and techniques in radio communication.
Human performance Limitations
Humans and aircraft have limitations and learning these limitations can help pilots keep the skies safer. Without learning about limitations, pilots can push either themselves or their aircraft to dangerous levels which can increase the chances of disaster.
As per the CAA, all pilots are expected to be well-versed in learning about the limitations of an aircraft. The CAA also states that pilots must operate within their limitations so that they can ensure a safe and smooth flight.
Keep in mind that a pilot's behaviour, mental status, and physical well-being all play a role in flight safety. Factors like stress, fatigue, drowsiness, and other aspects must be kept in mind when flying aircraft, especially for long flights.
Instrument Flight
Instrument training is by far one of the most important topics for pilots because it helps them become well-versed with the various technologies and interfaces on board an aircraft.
Examples of flight instruments can include an altimeter, altitude indicator, and more. Instrument flight training also explores sub-topics such as instrument flying using GPS, VOR, and other instruments. PPL candidates are trained to fly under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) so PPL candidates will not need to dive deeper into this topic, but for CPL candidates, instrument flight training is vital and very in-depth.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran. The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on Pilot Licences, training requirements, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
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