There’s no such thing as an extremely straightforward ATPL subject. Each of them demands a dedicated approach, although some may appear more passable than others. The sequence in which you tackle these exams is typically determined by your ATO (Aviation Training Organization), with subjects divided into two or three modules. While your instructors will emphasise the importance of mastering the study material, relying solely on textbooks can lead to exam failures due to the peculiarities of EASA exam questions. Those who have recently taken these exams will tell you that success depends on supplementing your course studies with a good question bank or even multiple banks to ensure you can confidently answer exam questions.
This guide will explore the 13 ATPL subjects, providing insights into their topics, question counts, time allocations, and valuable preparation tips. The information is based on the EASA and UK CAA’s ECQB 2021 ATPL(A) syllabus exams and serves as a starting point. Pass percentages mentioned are drawn from a single authority’s data covering a nine-month period in 2022, comprising around 400 candidates. While not definitive, it offers some guidance. We believe that most of these candidates heavily relied on question banks such as BGSonline.
Now, let’s rank these subjects from easiest to most challenging based on pass rates:
Communications
- Questions: 34
- Duration: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Rate: 98%
This subject covers routine communication with air traffic control, including operating procedures, distress and urgency protocols, and relevant weather information. While PPL holders may find it familiar, thorough preparation is still crucial.
Air Law
- Questions: 44
- Duration: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy to medium
- Pass Rate: 92%
Air Law tests your knowledge of aviation laws and regulations governing global air travel. It’s primarily a memory test, and a question bank is essential due to the volume of material.
Instrumentation
- Questions: 60
- Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
- Difficulty: Easy to medium
- Pass Rate: 90%
This subject covers aircraft systems and instruments, making it relatively straightforward with focused learning and practice.
Operational Procedures
- Questions: 42
- Duration: 1 hour 15 mins
- Difficulty: Medium
- Pass Rate: 90%
Operational Procedures delves into regulations and procedures for pilots and crew, occasionally presenting challenging questions not found in the material. It’s crucial to do your best and stay confident.
Human Performance and Limitations
- Questions: 48
- Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
- Difficulty: Medium
- Pass Rate: 87%
This subject explores physiological and psychological aspects of the human body in flight. It can be tricky due to scenario-based questions, so stay organised and focused.
Radio Navigation
- Questions: 66
- Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
- Difficulty: Medium
- Pass Rate: 86%
Radio Navigation covers various navigation aids, including satellite navigation and performance-based navigation. It requires understanding the systems, making it moderately challenging.
Aircraft General Knowledge
- Questions: 80
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Medium
- Pass Rate: 84%
Aircraft General Knowledge involves understanding aircraft components and construction. Although lengthy, it’s not considered highly difficult.
Mass and Balance
- Questions: 25
- Duration: 1 hour 15 mins
- Difficulty: Medium
- Pass Rate: 83%
Mass and Balance examines calculating an aircraft’s centre of gravity. It’s shorter but time-sensitive, so thorough preparation is key.
Meteorology
- Questions: 84
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Medium to Hard
- Pass Rate: 81%
Meteorology studies atmospheric conditions’ impact on flight. It can be challenging due to complex global weather concepts.
Principles of Flight (Aeroplane)
- Questions: 46
- Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
- Difficulty: Hard
- Pass Rate: 76%
This subject delves into aircraft forces during flight, requiring mathematical proficiency. It’s known for its depth and can be challenging.
General Navigation
- Questions: 55
- Duration: 2 hours 15 mins
- Difficulty: Medium to Hard
- Pass Rate: 70%
General Navigation involves navigational skills and concepts, initially challenging but improved with practice.
Performance (Aeroplane)
- Questions: 45
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Pass Rate: 67%
This subject focuses on aircraft performance principles and features modern jet transport data. It’s demanding, particularly in graph interpretation.
Flight Planning and Flight Monitoring
- Questions: 42
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Pass Rate: 65%
This subject covers route planning and flight calculations, posing challenges in time management. The different fuel policies need to be understood to be successful and misreading or misunderstanding a question often causes problems, particularly with scenario-based questions. Consistent practice is crucial for success.
Embarking on the journey to obtain an ATPL is a challenging but rewarding endeavour. As we’ve explored the 13 core ATPL subjects, it’s evident that each demands dedication, understanding, and comprehensive preparation. From mastering communication protocols to unravelling the complexities of aircraft performance, the road to becoming a certified pilot requires planned and effective study.
One invaluable tool in this journey is a robust question bank, and we recommend considering BGSonline. As countless successful candidates have attested, a high-quality question bank is not just a supplement; it’s a crucial companion in your study arsenal. The oddities of EASA exam questions can be navigated more confidently when you’ve practised extensively and can tackle various scenarios. However, be careful, question recognition can be a problem when similar questions are encountered or the exam authority has changed a figure or a word in the original question; this can be countered by reading all questions fully.
Remember that while some subjects may seem more approachable, each plays a pivotal role in shaping you into a knowledgeable and competent pilot. It’s a testament to your commitment and determination that you’ve embarked on this path.
Finished reading about the ATPL subjects?
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