ATPL Subjects and EASA Theoretical Examination
ATPL theoretical training requires a thorough knowledge of many subjects that are essential for a career as an airline pilot. The syllabus covers areas such as aviation regulations, aircraft systems, navigation, meteorology, performance and operational procedures.
The ATPL theoretical examination is organised around several subjects defined within the European regulatory framework. To prepare effectively for the examinations, it is important to study each subject regularly and practise with questions covering the EASA knowledge objectives.
How to Prepare for the ATPL Theoretical Examination?
ATPL preparation requires regular study across all subjects. There is a large amount of knowledge to acquire, with some topics requiring memorisation while others require an understanding of calculation methods or underlying principles.
QCMs allow you to test your knowledge and quickly identify areas that still need to be studied. Effective preparation involves alternating between learning, practising with questions and reviewing mistakes.
ATPL: What types of calculations do you need to master?
The EASA ATPL theoretical exam involves many calculations. It is not only a matter of knowing formulas: you also need to know how to select the correct data, use the appropriate units and interpret the result correctly.
| Topic | ATPL Subject | What you need to know | Calculation example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigation | General Navigation | Calculate a track, distance, ground speed or flight time. | Distance = speed - time |
| Velocity triangle | Flight Planning | Take wind into account to determine ground speed and drift. | True airspeed + wind = ground speed and drift |
| Fuel | Flight Planning | Calculate fuel consumption, fuel required and endurance. | Fuel consumption - flight time |
| Flight time | Flight Planning | Determine flight time from distance and speed. | Time = distance / speed |
| Performance | Performance | Use performance tables and graphs to determine a distance or mass. | Take-off distance according to mass, altitude and temperature |
| Mass and balance | Mass & Balance | Calculate a mass, load or centre of gravity position. | Moment = mass - arm |
| Pressure altitude | Instrumentation / Meteorology | Convert and interpret altitudes according to the altimeter setting. | Pressure altitude from QNH and indicated altitude |
| Temperature | Meteorology | Perform conversions and calculate atmospheric parameters. | °C / °F conversion and atmospheric calculations |
| ISA atmosphere | Meteorology | Calculate the temperature deviation from the International Standard Atmosphere. | Actual temperature - ISA temperature |
| Descent | Performance / Flight Planning | Determine a rate of descent, distance or time required for a descent. | Rate of descent - time |
| Conversions | Several subjects | Convert from one unit to another without introducing calculation errors. | NM, km, ft, m, kt, km/h, kg, lb |
| Fuel and units | Flight Planning | Convert fuel quantities and take fuel density into account. | Mass fuel volume |
ATPL QCMs and EASA Knowledge Objectives
Practice questions allow you to work on the different knowledge objectives covered by the theoretical syllabus. The explanations provided with the questions are particularly useful when an answer is incorrect, as they help you understand the expected reasoning and review the relevant subject.
Preparing for the examination is therefore not simply a matter of memorising answers to QCMs. It is important to understand the concepts studied so that you can apply your knowledge in different situations.
ATPL Syllabus and the ECQB Question Bank
European theoretical examinations use the EASA European Central Question Bank (ECQB). This question bank is regularly updated to take account of regulatory, technical and educational developments.
The ECQB and the ATPL theoretical syllabus are therefore related but different concepts: the syllabus defines the knowledge that candidates are expected to acquire, while the question bank provides questions used for theoretical examinations.
To better understand how this question bank works, see our page What is the ECQB?.
Regular Preparation to Make Progress
The amount of knowledge required for the ATPL may seem considerable. Regular study allows you to spread the workload across the different subjects and monitor your progress step by step.
The aim of QCMs is to allow you to practise throughout your preparation, review difficult topics and consolidate your knowledge before taking the ATPL theoretical examinations.
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