ATPL Subjects: EASA Theoretical Examination Programme and Modules
The ATPL theoretical training programme requires candidates to master a broad range of knowledge needed to work as a professional pilot. The ATPL programme is divided into several subjects, each covering a specific area of aviation knowledge.
Preparing for the EASA theoretical examinations requires regular study of all these subjects. Some mainly require the memorisation of regulatory or technical information, while others require an understanding of physical principles, calculations or specific problem-solving methods.
010 - Air Law
Module 010 covers the regulatory framework governing aviation operations. It includes international aviation law, conventions and agreements, flight crew licences, the rules of the air and procedures applicable to air navigation services.
The programme also covers air traffic services, air traffic management, aeronautical information, aerodromes, facilitation, search and rescue, aviation security, as well as accident and incident investigations.
This subject requires a precise knowledge of many definitions, responsibilities, procedures and regulatory provisions in order to apply them correctly to the different situations encountered during flight operations.
021 - Aircraft General Knowledge - Airframe and Systems
Module 021 covers general aircraft knowledge and is an important part of ATPL technical training. It includes the structure of the aircraft, the forces and stresses acting on it, as well as the principles of maintenance and airworthiness.
The programme also covers hydraulic systems, landing gear, wheels, tyres and brakes, flight controls, pneumatic systems, pressurisation and air conditioning. De-icing and anti-icing systems, fuel and electrical systems, piston and turbine engines, as well as protection, detection and oxygen systems are also included in the syllabus.
For candidates also preparing for the helicopter syllabus, some chapters specifically cover the different systems used on rotorcraft.
022 - Instrumentation
Module 022 covers the instruments and systems that provide pilots with the information required to operate the aircraft. It includes sensors, the measurement of aerodynamic parameters, compasses and the effects of the Earth's magnetic field, as well as gyroscopic instruments. Inertial navigation, automatic flight control systems, trim systems, flight envelope protection, autothrottle and automatic thrust control are also covered.
The programme also includes communication systems, FMS and FMGS flight management systems, warning and alerting systems, electronic displays, as well as maintenance, monitoring and recording systems. Understanding how these systems operate and knowing their limitations is essential for correctly interpreting the information available in the cockpit.
031 - Mass and Balance
Module 031 deals with aircraft mass and balance and their effects on flight characteristics. Candidates must be able to distinguish between the different masses used in aircraft operations, understand the effects of loading and determine the position of the centre of gravity.
The programme covers the general principles of mass and balance, aircraft loading, the specific characteristics of different configurations and the handling of cargo. Mass and balance calculations require a good command of the formulas and methods used in flight operations. Incorrect load distribution or a centre of gravity outside the specified limits can have significant effects on aircraft performance, stability and control.
032 - Performance A
Module 032 covers aircraft performance and the use of performance data to determine aircraft capabilities under different conditions.
The programme includes general performance principles as well as the study of aircraft performance classes relevant to ATPL training. Candidates study take-off, climb, cruise, descent and landing performance, taking into account parameters such as aircraft mass, altitude, temperature, wind and runway characteristics. The subject requires both an understanding of the physical principles affecting performance and the ability to correctly use data presented in tables, graphs or performance charts. Mastering calculation methods is therefore just as important as understanding the underlying theoretical concepts.
033 - Flight Planning
Module 033 covers the knowledge required for flight preparation, planning and monitoring. It includes VFR and IFR flights, fuel planning, pre-flight preparation, air traffic flight plans, as well as flight monitoring and changes that may occur during an operation.
Candidates must be able to take into account the various parameters required to plan a flight and understand their consequences for its execution. Flight planning is therefore not limited to calculating a route or fuel quantity: it also requires knowledge of the applicable procedures, the information required before departure and the elements that must be monitored during the flight.
040 - Human Performance
Module 040 examines human factors that can influence crew performance and the safety of flight operations. The subject includes aviation physiology, the effects of altitude and principles related to lifestyle and health, as well as aviation psychology.
Candidates must understand human physiological and psychological limitations and the effects of fatigue, stress, workload, perception and decision-making. Communication and interaction between crew members also play an important role in this subject. The objective is to understand how human factors can affect flight operations and why certain situations can influence the capabilities of a pilot or flight crew.
050 - Meteorology
Module 050 covers aviation meteorology and atmospheric phenomena that may affect flight preparation and operations. The programme begins with the study of the atmosphere, wind and thermodynamics before covering clouds, fog, precipitation, air masses, fronts and pressure systems. Climatology and hazardous weather phenomena are also part of the required knowledge.
Candidates must also be able to understand and use the meteorological information used in aviation. The subject therefore requires knowledge of the phenomena themselves as well as an ability to understand their practical effects on flight conditions, visibility, aircraft performance, navigation and safety.
061 - General Navigation
Module 061 covers the principles of air navigation and the methods used to determine position, track, distance and flight time. The programme includes basic navigation principles, visual navigation, charts, time calculations and the concepts of great-circle and rhumb-line navigation.
Candidates must also understand the effects of wind on the aircraft's track and be able to perform the calculations required for navigation planning and monitoring. This subject includes many practical exercises and requires a good command of calculation methods as well as the relevant terminology and theoretical principles. Regular practice with questions helps candidates become faster at identifying the appropriate method to use.
062 - Radio Navigation
Module 062 covers navigation systems based on radio and satellite technologies. It includes the basic principles of radio-wave propagation, the main radio navigation aids, radar and satellite-based positioning and navigation systems.
The programme also covers Performance-Based Navigation, or PBN, and the principles associated with the use of modern navigation systems. Candidates must understand the general operation of the different systems, their characteristics, their limitations and how their information can be used to determine or monitor the aircraft's position. Understanding the physical principles of propagation and the characteristics of the different systems is particularly important in this subject.
070 - Operational Procedures
Module 070 covers the procedures used during aircraft operations. It addresses general operational requirements as well as special procedures and situations involving specific hazards.
The programme includes general operational procedures, abnormal and emergency situations and, depending on the aircraft category, specific helicopter procedures. This subject requires candidates to know the procedures applicable to different situations and understand their operational purpose. It complements the technical and regulatory knowledge acquired in the other modules by placing it in the practical context of aircraft operations and flight safety management.
081 - Principles of Flight
Module 081 provides an understanding of the aerodynamic principles that determine aircraft behaviour in flight. It covers subsonic aerodynamics, high-speed aerodynamics, stalling, stability, flight controls, limitations and propellers.
The programme also covers flight mechanics and, for the helicopter syllabus, rotorcraft characteristics, main rotor aerodynamics and mechanics, tail rotors, as well as balance, stability and control. This subject requires candidates to understand the relationships between speed, pressure, lift, drag, angle of attack and aircraft configuration. It provides an essential foundation for understanding why an aircraft responds in a particular way when flight conditions or pilot inputs change.
090 - Communications
Module 090 covers aviation communications and radiotelephony procedures used between flight crews and the various air traffic services. The programme includes definitions, general operating procedures, meteorological terminology used in communications, procedures to be followed in the event of communication failure, as well as emergency and distress procedures.
The syllabus also covers VHF propagation and frequency allocation. Candidates must learn to recognise the standard expressions used in aviation communications and correctly apply readback and information exchange procedures. Accurate phraseology is particularly important because communications must be understood without ambiguity by all parties involved.
A Progressive Approach to ATPL Subject Preparation
The 13 ATPL subjects represent a substantial volume of knowledge. It is generally more effective to spread revision over time rather than trying to memorise the entire syllabus at once. Each subject can be studied chapter by chapter, alternating between learning, practice and revision of mistakes.
QCMs provide a quick way to check whether a concept has actually been understood. When an answer is incorrect, the explanation provides an opportunity to review the reasoning and identify the knowledge that needs further study. This approach is particularly useful for subjects involving numerous calculations or questions similar to those encountered during the theoretical examinations.
ATPL preparation is not simply about memorising answers. The objective is to understand the knowledge covered by the theoretical syllabus so that it can be applied to different questions. Regular revision of all subjects, combined with progressive practice using QCMs and mock examinations, makes it possible to monitor progress and identify the areas that still require further study.
Updated TODAY