If you are new to aviation and are looking for a detailed guide on UK pilot qualification exams, then you are at the right place. Read below for our ultimate guide to passing any UK pilot qualification exam.
Whether it is a LAPL, a PPL or the coveted CPL, pilot training requires considerable theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
This is why pilots are put through the wringer and required to pass multiple examinations, each of which is designed to test the aptitude of the candidate and ensure that only the finest candidates get through to become highly capable pilots.
If you are new to aviation and are looking for a detailed guide on UK pilot qualification exams, then you are at the right place. Read below for our ultimate guide to passing any UK pilot qualification exam.
The Ultimate Guide to Passing Any UK Pilot Qualification Exam
Let’s begin with the basics, there are four types of licencing in aviation:
- Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) – allows for light aircraft flight under strict conditions and restrictions.
- Private Pilot Licence (PPL) – enables pilots to fly only recreationally.
- Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) – allows pilots to build a career in aviation and fly professionally.
- Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) – the highest level, required to become an airline captain.
These licences are governed by the aviation regulatory body the Civil Aviation Authority, which is the UK’s aviation regulator. The relevant regulatory body for European pilots is the European Union Aviation Safety Agency or EASA.
Each pilot licence has a set of exams, and all pilots need to secure at least 75% on every exam to be eligible for their licence. Here is a breakdown of the exams for each pilot licence:
- LAPL: 9 Theoretical Exams
- PPL: 9 Theoretical Exams
- CPL: 13 Theoretical Exams
- ATPL: 14 Theoretical Exams
If you notice, the number of exams steadily increases as per the difficulty level of the licence. LAPL and PPL are one of the most common licences in the aviation industry while the CPL and ATPL are reserved for advanced pilots that want to make a strong career in aviation. These pilots have a diverse and comprehensive curriculum compared to the PPL and LAPL licences.
Exam Breakdown & Subject Overview
Now that you know the basics of aviation licences, their types, and the number of exams for each, let’s look at a breakdown of the exams and the subjects:
Here are the core subjects that are common for LAPL and PPL candidates:
- Air Law – Aviation regulations, pilot responsibilities, operational procedures
- Operational Procedures – Emergency procedures, passenger safety
- Meteorology – Weather patterns, forecasts, turbulence, and icing
- Navigation & Radio Navigation – Route planning, VOR, GPS, and instruments
- Human Performance & Limitations – Effects of altitude, fatigue
- Principles of Flight – Aerodynamics, control surfaces, flight mechanics
- Communications – Radiotelephony, phraseology, and distress calls
- Aircraft General Knowledge – Systems, engines, instruments, and maintenance
CPL and ATPL pilots need to learn the above subjects along with the following additional eight subjects:
- Flight Planning & Monitoring – Fuel calculations, ETOPS, and planning
- Performance – Take-off and landing performance calculations
- Mass & Balance – Aircraft weight distribution, centre of gravity considerations
- Instrumentation – Avionics, flight displays, and automation systems
- General Navigation – Advanced navigation techniques
- Radio Navigation – Use of VOR, ADF, DME, and ILS
- Airframes & Systems (ATPL-specific) – Advanced aircraft systems
- Electrics & Electronics (ATPL-specific) – Electrical generation and avionics
Effective Study Strategies
As you can imagine, studying for CPL and ATPL requires considerable focus and of course, a strong strategy. While the curriculum for PPL and LAPL programmes may seem relatively relaxed, the truth is that all types of pilot licences require effective study strategies.
Let’s go over a few common tried-and-tested strategies:
Creating a study plan
Study plans are fundamental for long-term success. A strong study plan can help you stay committed and help you keep a special time slot for studying for the exams every day.
Newcomers should allocate at least 3-6 months for PPL exams, 6-12 months for CPL, and 12-24 months for ATPL examinations. We recommend that students divide study time according to the difficulty of the subject. For example, if you find navigation or human performance limitations challenging, then you will need to give these subjects additional hours every week.
For the best experience, we recommend that you take weekly mock exams to test and track your progress. There are also several online resources where you can take online exams, gauge your preparation, and adjust your study strategy as necessary.
For comprehensive preparation, we recommend that you diversify your learning resources and get as much information on the subjects as possible. Here are some core learning resources:
- Books: Always go for CAA-approved study guides like the Oxford Aviation Academy, Pooley’s, and other resources provided by your flight school.
- Online Courses: If you have the time and financial resources for additional tuition, go for online courses like the Bristol Groundschool, CATS Aviation, or BGS Online.
- Apps: Use technology to your advantage and download various aviation examination apps such as the Aviation Exam, ATPL Online, and Pilot Training Apps available on the iOS App Store and Google’s Play Store.
- Study Groups: Divide and conquer difficult subjects by joining offline or online study groups. Candidates can learn from each other and provide their expertise and experience in each topic, resulting in a more comprehensive learning experience.
We also recommend that you use question banks and mock exams that are based on past papers. Make sure that you practice using online resources such as ATPLGS or BGS question banks. Your flight school may also offer mock examinations where they can simulate a real-world testing environment that can help you get accustomed to the test structure and the time restraints for each exam.
Mock exams are excellent in enabling candidates to review incorrect answers, understand explanations, and expand their learning.
Finally, you can also apply memory techniques – however, make sure you avoid rote learning as that will not help you with these types of exams. Instead, use techniques such as mnemonics to aid in memory and flashcards for revision.
Practical Exam Tips
The best exam tip for candidates is to first understand the exam format. Aviation exams have multiple-choice questions or time-limited exams that require candidates to manage time effectively. Some exams may also include diagrams for analysis and even case studies, which is especially important for advanced programmes such as the CPL and the ATPL licencing programmes.
For MCQ exams, always go with the elimination technique and highlight the incorrect options first. Always be on the lookout for keywords in questions and avoid overthinking tricky questions. Go with your first instinct and watch or EXCEPT or NOT questions that are notorious for confusing candidates.
On the day of the exam, make sure that you arrive early with all the necessary documentation such as your ID, a calculator, a ruler, and any other important stationery. Make sure that you get a good night’s sleep before the exam so that you have mental clarity and remember to eat well and stay hydrated before the exam!
Post-Exam Steps
After you have completed the exam, it is important to unwind, relax, and hope for the best. Do not dwell on what you may have gotten wrong since there is no use in staying in the past. Do not let yourself spiral and take it easy! If you have done everything right, you will be able to pass all your exams and prepare for the next step, which is practical training.
In the case that you are not able to pass the exams, don’t worry! There is always the option to retake the exams if necessary. Keep in mind that while you can retake the exams, you will have a limited number of attempts. Most candidates know exactly where they lack after taking a real-world test so you will need to brush up on your weaknesses and come back stronger!
Meeting the Requirements for a Pilot Licence
Now that you know how to attempt and approach aviation exams, let’s look at the general requirements for a pilot licence. Each pilot licence has special requirements. Here are the top requirements for PPL and CPL licences:
Private Pilot Licence Requirements
The CAA has outlined a list of guidelines and requirements that must be fulfilled before a pilot applies for a PPL. Here are the most important requirements:
- The minimum age for a PPL is 17 years old. A pilot can enrol in flight training before the age of 17 but they will not be eligible for the licence until they reach the minimum required age.
- To obtain a pilot licence, candidates must fulfil the minimum medical requirements for the type of licence that they are applying for. For PPL, candidates will be issued a Class 2 medical certificate that covers basic health requirements while a CPL requires a more comprehensive medical certificate called the Class 1 Medical Certificate. This certificate has more in-depth requirements and is designed to take a comprehensive view of the pilot’s mental and physical fitness.
- Candidates will also have to fulfil the training requirements for their specific licence. A PPL requires 100 hours of ground school instruction which covers all the important theoretical topics. You will also be expected to complete your flight training which consists of a minimum of 45 hours of training which includes 10 hours of solo flight time and 5 hours of solo cross-country flight time.
Commercial Pilot Licence Requirements
Here are the most important requirements for a commercial pilot licence:
- The minimum age requirement for applying for a CPL is 18 years. However, candidates can enrol early and begin their flight training from an early age. This will not only give them a head start but also allow them to quickly obtain their licence once they reach the minimum age requirement.
- CPL holders are required to apply for and obtain a Class 1 medical certificate. This certificate is awarded via a Certified Medical Examiner (CME) and covers every health-related aspect of the candidate. Candidates are required to fulfil the minimum health requirements for both mental and physical tests.
- A CPL requires a minimum of 200 hours of ground training that covers advanced topics related to navigation, meteorology, technical knowledge, principles of flight, and more. They must also complete flight training that consists of a minimum of 150 hours which includes 70 hours of Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and at least 20 hours of cross-country flight time.
- CPL candidates will be required to complete additional certifications which include a Night Rating which enables pilots to fly after sunset (outside VFR) or in low-visibility conditions. Pilots are taught how to take off, navigate, and land at night or in severe weather conditions. You will also have to master Instrument Flights where pilots are required to fly using only the onboard instruments in the cockpit.
- CPL holders also need to obtain a Multi-Engine Rating which requires a minimum of 6 hours of flight time in a multi-engine aircraft. The 6 hours are inclusive of 3 hours of dual instruction flight.
The Application Process
All eligible candidates will need to submit their duly filled application form to the CAA. This form contains all the information about the candidate and their training. Pilots are required to fill out this form carefully and ensure that they don’t miss out on anything and provide all the relevant information about their training.
Please keep in mind that failing to fill the form correctly can result in rejection which means that you will have to reapply and resubmit your application along with the application fee. We recommend that candidates carefully read the policies and information mentioned on the form along with the instructions to eliminate their chances of rejection.
The application and fee will be submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority which will individually assess the candidate’s profile. The CAA will thoroughly verify your qualifications and certifications before awarding you with a pilot licence.
Once you have obtained your licence, you will also be expected to maintain its validity by keeping up with your training and medical requirements, especially if you have a CPL. In the case of policy or regulatory changes, pilots may also be asked to amend their training according to the latest changes to keep their licence valid.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
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.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation with a PPL or CPL 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 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 how to get your pilot’s licence.
Photo by Artur Voznenko on Unsplash
