In this post, we shall understand about the syllabus of Composite and Technical-General examinations conducted by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the issue of Private Pilot’s Licence. As a Private Pilot’s Licence holder, you would be able to fly an aircraft as a Pilot or as a Co-pilot of any aircraft on which you are endorsed to fly in your licence.
| PAPER-SUBJECT-TOPICS | SUB - TOPICS |
|---|---|
| Technical-General - Aircraft General Knowledge - Airframe Structure | Components - Fuselage - Wings - Tailplane - Fin - Primary Flying Controls - Trim And Flap/Slat Systems - Landing Gear - Nose Wheel - Including Steering - Tyres - Condition - Braking Systems And Precautions In Use - Retraction System |
| Technical-General - Aircraft General Knowledge - Airframe loads | Static Strength - Safety Factor - Control Lock And Use - Ground/Flight Precaution |
| Technical-General - Aircraft General Knowledge - Powerplant | Engines - General - Principles Of The Four Stroke Internal Combustion Engine - Basic Construction - Causes Of Pre - Ignition And Detonation - Power Output As A Function Of Rpm |
| Technical-General - Aircraft General Knowledge - Engine cooling | Air Cooling - Cowling Design And Cylinder Baffles - Design And Use Of Cowl Flaps - Cylinder Head Temperature Gauge |
| Technical-General - Aircraft General Knowledge - Engine lubrication | Function And Methods Of Lubrication - Lubrication Systems - Methods Of Oil Circulation - Oil Pump And Filter Requirements - Qualities And Grades Of Oil - Oil Temperature And Pressure Control - Oil Cooling Methods Recognition Of Oil System Malfunctions |
| Technical-General - Aircraft General Knowledge - Ignition systems | Principles Of Magneto Ignition - Construction And Function - Purpose And Principle Of Impulse Coupling - Serviceability Checks - Recognition Of Malfunctions - Operational Procedures To Avoid Spark Plug Fouling |
| Technical-General - Aircraft General Knowledge - Carburation | Principles Of Float Type Carburettor - Construction And Function Methods To Maintain Correct Mixture Ratio - Operation Of Metering Jets And Accelerator Pump - Effect Of Altitude - Manual Mixture Control - Maintenance Of Correct Mixture Ratio - Limitation On Use At High Power - Avoidance Of Detonation - Idle Cut - Off Valve - Operation And Use Of Primary Engine Controls - Air Induction System - Carburettor Icing - Use Of Hot Air - Injection Systems - Principles And Operation |
| Technical-General - Aircraft General Knowledge - Aero Engine Fuel | Classifications Of Fuels - Grades And Identification By Colour - Quality Requirements - Inspection For Contamination - Use Of Fuel Strainers And Drains |
| Technical-General - Aircraft General Knowledge - Fuel Systems | Fuel Tanks And Supply Lines - Venting System - Mechanical And Electrical Pumps - Gravity Feed Tank Selection - System Management |
| Technical-General - Aircraft General Knowledge - Propellers | Propeller Nomenclature - Conversion Of Engine Power To Thrust - Design And Construction Of Fixed Pitch Propeller - Forces Acting On Propeller Blade - Variation Of Rpm With Change Of Airspeed - Thrust Efficiency With Change Of Speed - Design And Construction Of Variable Pitch Propeller - Constant Speed Unit Operation - Effect Of Blade Pitch Changes - Wind - milling Effect |
| Technical-General - Aircraft General Knowledge - Engine Handling | Starting Procedures And Precautions - Recognition Of Malfunctions - Warming Up - Power And System Checks - Oil Temperature And Pressure Limitations - Cylinder Head Temperature Limitations - Ignition And Other System Checks - Power Limitations - Avoidance Of Rapid Power Changes - Use Of Mixture Control |
| Technical-General - Aircraft General Knowledge - Systems | Electrical System - Operations Of Alternators/Generators - Direct Current Supply - Batteries - Capacity And Charging - Voltmeters And Ammeters - Circuit Breakers And Fuses - Electrically Operated Services And Instruments - Recognition Of Malfunctions - Procedure In The Event Of Malfunctions |
| Technical-General - Aircraft General Knowledge - Vacuum System | Components - Pumps - Regulator And Gauge - Filter System - Recognition Of Malfunction - Procedures In The Event Of Malfunctions |
| Technical-General - Principles of Flight - The Atmosphere | Composition And Structure - ICAO Standard Atmosphere - Atmospheric Pressure |
| Technical-General - Principles of Flight - Airflow around a body sub-sonic | Air Resistance And Air Density - Boundary Layer - Friction Forces - Laminar And Turbulent Flow - Bernoulli’S Principle – Venturi Effect |
| Technical-General - Principles of Flight - Airflow about a two dimensional aerofoil | Airflow Around A Flat Plate - Airflow Around A Curved Plate (Aerofoil) - Description Of Aerofoil Cross Section - Lift And Drag - Cl And Cd And Their Relationship To Angle Of Attack |
| Technical-General - Principles of Flight - Three dimensional flow about an aerofoil | Aerofoil Shapes And Wing Plan forms - Induced Drag - Downwash Angle - Vortex Drag - Ground Effect - Aspect Ratio - Parasite (Profile) Drag - Form - Skin Friction And Interference Drag - Lift/Drag Ratio |
| Technical-General - Principles of Flight - Distribution of the four forces | Balance And Couples - Lift And Weight - Thrust And Drag - Methods Of Achieving Balance |
| Technical-General - Principles of Flight - Flying controls | The Three Planes - Pitching About The Lateral Axis Rolling About The Longitudinal Axis - Yawing About The Normal Axis - Effects Of The Elevators (Stabilisers) - Ailerons And Rudder - Control In Pitch - Roll And Yaw - Cross Coupling - Roll And Yaw - Weight And Aerodynamic Balance Of Control Surfaces |
| Technical-General - Principles of Flight - Trimming controls | Basic Trim Tab - Balance Tab And Anti - Balance Tab - Purpose And Function - Method Of Operation |
| Technical-General - Principles of Flight - Flaps and slats | Simple - Split - Slotted And Fowler Flaps - Purpose And Function - Operational Use - Slats - Leading Edge - Purpose And Function - Normal/Automatic Operation |
| Technical-General - Principles of Flight - The stall | Stalling Angle Of Attack - Disruption Of Smooth Airflow - Reduction Of Lift - Increase Of Drag - Movement Of Centre Of Pressure - Symptoms Of Development - Aeroplane Characteristics At The Stall - Factors Affecting Stall Speed And Aeroplane Behaviour At The Stall - Stalling From Level - Climbing - Descending And Turning Flight - Inherent And Artificial Stall Warnings - Recovery From The Stall |
| Technical-General - Principles of Flight - Avoidance of spins- | Wing Tip Stall - The Development Of Roll - Recognition At The Incipient Stage - Immediate And Positive Stall Recovery |
| Technical-General - Principles of Flight - Stability | Definitions Of Static And Dynamic Stability Longitudinal Stability - Centre Of Gravity Effect On Control In Pitch - Lateral And Directional Stability - Inter - Relationship - Lateral And Directional Stability |
| Technical-General - Principles of Flight - Load factor and manoeuvres | Structural Considerations - Manoeuvring And Gust Envelope - Limiting Load Factors - With And Without Flaps - Changes In Load Factor In Turns And Pull - Ups - Manoeuvring Speed Limitations - In - Flight Precautions |
| Technical-General - Principles of Flight - Stress loads on the ground | Side Loads On The Landing Gear - Landing - Taxiing - Precautions During Turns |
| Composite - General Navigation - Form of the Earth | Axis - Poles - Meridians Of Longitude - Parallels Of Latitude - Great Circle - Small Circle - Rhumb Line - Hemispheres - North/South - East/West |
| Composite - General Navigation - Mapping | Aeronautical Maps And Charts (Topographical) - Projections And Their Properties - Conformality - Equivalence - Scale - Great Circles And Rhumb Lines Distances - Units And Measurements |
| Composite - General Navigation - Direction | True North - Earth’S Magnetic Field - Variation – Annual Change - Magnetic North - Vertical And Horizontal Components - Isogonals - Agonic Lines |
| Composite - General Navigation - Aeroplane magnetism | Magnetic Influences Within The Aeroplane - Compass Deviation - Turning - Acceleration Errors - Avoiding Magnetic Interference With The Comass |
| Composite - General Navigation - Practical Navigation | Plotting Positions - navigation Protractor Measurements Of Tracks - Relief - Symbols |
| Composite - General Navigation - Principles of navigation | Ias - Cas And Tas - Track - True And Magnetic - Wind Velocity - Heading And Groundspeed - Triangle Of Velocities - Calculation Of Heading And Ground Speed - Drift - Wind Correction Angle - Eta - Dead Reckoning - Position - Fix |
| Composite - General Navigation - Navigation Computer | Usage Of CX2 Or CX3 |
| Composite - General Navigation - Time | Relationship Between Universal Coordinated (Standard) (UTC) Time And Local Mean Time (LMT) - Definition Of Sunrise And Sunset Times |
| Composite - Flight Performance and Planning - Flight planning | Selection Of Charts - Route And Aerodrome Weather Forecasts And Reports - Assessing The Weather Situation - Plotting The Route - Considerations Of Controlled/ Regulated Airspace - Airspace Restrictions - Danger Areas - Etc. - Use Of AIP And NOTAM - ATC Liaison Procedures In Controlled/ Regulated Airspace - Fuel Considerations - En - Route Safety Altitude(S) - Alternate Aerodromes - Communications And Radio/Navaid Frequencies - Compilation Of Flight Log - Compilation Of Atc Flight Plan - Selection Of Check Points - Time And Distance Marks - Weight And Balance Calculations - Weight And Performance Calculations |
| Composite - Flight Performance and Planning - Mass and Balance | Mass And Balance - Limitations On Maximum Mass - Forward And Aft Limitations Of Centre Of Gravity - Normal And Utility Operation - Mass And Centre Of Gravity Calculations – Aeroplane Manual And Balance Sheet |
| Composite - Flight Performance and Planning - Performance | Take - Off - Take - Off Run And Distance Available - Take - Off And Initial Climb - Effects Of Mass - Wind And Density Altitude - Effects Of Ground Surface And Gradient - Use Of Flaps during Landing - Effects Of Mass - Wind - Density Altitude And Approach Speed - Use Of Flaps - Ground Surface And Gradient In - Flight - Relationship Between Power Required And Power Available - Performance Diagram - Maximum Rate And Maximum Angle Of Climb - Range And Endurance - Effects Of Configuration - Mass - Temperature And Altitude - Reduction Of Performance During Climbing Turns - Gliding - Adverse Effects - Icing - Rain - Condition Of The Airframe - Effect Of Flap" |
| Composite - Aviation Meteorology - Atmosphere | Composition And Structure - Vertical Divisions Pressure - Density And Temperature - Barometric Pressure - Isobars - Changes Of Pressure - Density And Temperature With Altitude - Altimetry Terminology - Diurnal Variation Of Temperature - Adiabatic Process - Temperature Lapse Rate - Stability And Instability |
| Composite - Aviation Meteorology - Humidity and precipitation | Water Vapour In The Atmosphere - Vapour Pressure - Dew Point And Relative Humidity - Condensation And Vaporization - Precipitation |
| Composite - Aviation Meteorology - Pressure and wind | High And Low Pressure Areas - Motion Of The Atmosphere - Pressure Gradient - Vertical And Horizontal Motion - Convergence - Divergence - Surface And Geostrophic Wind - Effect Of Wind Gradient And Wind shear On Take - Off And Landing - Relationship Between Isobars And Wind - Buys Ballot’S Law - Turbulence And Gustiness - Local Winds - Fahn - Land And Sea Breeze |
| Composite - Aviation Meteorology - Clouds formation | Cooling By Advection - Radiation And Adiabatic Expansion - Cloud Types - Convection Clouds - Orographic Clouds - Stratiform And Cumulus Clouds - Flying Conditions In Each Cloud Type |
| Composite - Aviation Meteorology - Fog mist haze | Radiation - Advection - Frontal - Freezing Fog - Formation And Dispersal - Reduction Of Visibility Due To Mist - Snow - Smoke - Dust And Sand - Assessment Of Probability Of Reduced Visibility - Hazards In Flight Due To Low Visibility - Horizontal And Vertical |
| Composite - Aviation Meteorology - Air masses | Description Of And Factors Affecting The Properties Of Air Masses - Classification Of Air Masses - Region Of Origin Modification Of Air Masses During Their Movement - Development Of Low And High Pressure System - Weather Associated With Pressure Systems |
| Composite - Aviation Meteorology - Ice accretion | Conditions Conducive To Ice Formation - Effects Of Hoar Frost - Rime Ice - Clear Ice - Effects Of Icing On Aeroplane Performance - Precautions And Avoidance Of Icing Conditions - Powerplant Icing - Precautions - Prevention And Clearance Of Induction And Carburettor Icing |
| Composite - Aviation Meteorology - Thunderstorms | Formation – Air Mass - Frontal - Orographic - Conditions Required - Development Process - Recognition Of Favourable Conditions For Formation - Hazards For Aeroplanes - Effects Of Lightning And Severe Turbulence - Avoidance Of Flight In The Vicinity Of Thunderstorms |
| Composite - Aviation Meteorology - Flight over hilly or mountainous areas | Hazards - Influence Of Terrain On Atmospheric Processes - Mountain Waves - Wind shear - Turbulence - Vertical Movement - Rotor Effects - Valley Winds |
| Composite - Aviation Meteorology - Indian Climatology | General Seasonal Circulation In The Troposphere - Local Seasonal Weather And Winds - Development And Effect Of Valley Inversions - Reduction Of Visibility Caused By Low Drifting And Blowing snow |
| Composite - Aviation Meteorology - Altimetry | Operational Aspects Of Pressure Settings - - Pressure Altitude - Density Altitude - Height - Altitude - Flight Level - ICAO Standard Atmosphere QNH - QFE - Standard Setting - Transition Altitude - Layer And Level |
| Composite - Aviation Meteorology - The meteorological organization | Aerodrome Meteorological Offices - Aeronautical Meteorological Stations - Forecasting Service - Meteorological Services At Aerodromes - Availability Of Periodic Weather Forecasts |
| Composite - Aviation Meteorology - Weather observations & Forecast | Weather Analysis And Forecasting - Weather Charts - Symbols - Signs - Significant Weather Charts - Prognostic Charts For General Aviation - Reports And Forecasts - Interpretation Of Coded Information METAR - TAT - Availability Of Ground Reports For Surface Wind - Wind shear - Visibility / Broadcasts - VOLMET - ATIS - SIGMET |
| Composite - Radio Navigation - Ground D/F | Ground D/F - Application - Principles - Presentation And Interpretation - Coverage - Errors And Accuracy - Factors Affecting Range And Accuracy / QDM |
| Composite - Radio Navigation - ADF | ADF - Including Associated Beacons (NDB) And Use Of The Radio Magnetic Indicator (RMI) - Application - Principles - Presentation And Interpretation - Coverage - Errors And Accuracy - Factors Affecting Range And Accuracy |
| Composite - Radio Navigation - DME | Basics And Usage - Principles - Presentation And Interpretation - Coverage - Errors And Accuracy - Factors Affecting Range And Accuracy" |
| Composite - Radio Navigation - VOR | Application - Principles - Presentation And Interpretation - Coverage - Errors And Accuracy - Factors Affecting Range And Accuracy |
| Composite - Radio Navigation - GPS | Application - Principles - Presentation And Interpretation - Coverage - Errors And Accuracy - Factors Affecting Range And Accuracy |
| Composite - Radio Navigation - Radar | Primary & Secondary - Principles - Application - Coverage - Errors & Accuracy - Factors Affecting Reliability - Modes & Codes |
| Composite - Communications - Radio Telephony and Communications | Use Of Aip And Frequency Selection - Microphone Technique - Phonetic Alphabet - Station/Aeroplane Call signs/Abbreviation - Transmission Technique - Use Of Standard Words And Phrases - Listening Out - Required ‘Read back’ Instructions |
| Composite - Communications - En route Procedures | Frequency Changing - Position - Altitude/Flight Level Reporting - Flight Information Service - Weather Information - Weather Reporting - Procedures To Obtain Bearings - Headings - Position - Procedural Phraseology - Height/Range Coverage |
| Composite - Communications - Arrival and traffic pattern procedures | Arrival Clearance - Calls And ATC Instructions During The: - Circuit - Approach And Landing - Vacating Runway |
| Composite - Communications - Communication failure | Action To Be Taken - Alternate Frequency - Serviceability Check - Including Microphone And Headphones - In - Flight Procedures According To Type Of Airspace |
| Composite - Communications - Distress & Urgency | Distress (Mayday) - Definition And When To Use - Frequencies To Use - Contents Of Mayday Message - Urgency (Pan) - Definition And When To Use - Frequencies To Use - Relay Of Messages - Maintenance Of Silence When Distress/Urgency Call Heard - Cancellation Of Distress/Urgency |
| Composite - General Flight Safety - Aeroplane | Seat Adjustment & Security - Harnesses And Seat Belts - Emergency Equipment And Its Use - Fire Extinguisher - Engine/Cabin Fires - De - Icing Systems - Survival Equipment - Life Jackets - Life Rafts - Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Re - Fuelling Precautions - Flammable Goods/Pressurized Container |
| Composite - General Flight Safety - Operational | Wake Turbulence - Aquaplaning - Wind shear - Take - Off - Approach And Landing - Passenger Briefings - Emergency Exits - Evacuation From The Aeroplane - Forced Landings - Gear - Up Landing - Ditching |
| Composite - Instrumentation - Flight Instruments | Pitot / Static System - Pitot Tube - Function - Pitot Tube - Static Source - Alternate Static Source - Position Error - System Drains - Errors Caused By Blockage Or Leakage - Airspeed Indicator - Principles Of Operation - Relationship Between Pitot And Static Pressure - Definitions Of Indicated - Calibrated And True Airspeed - Instrument Errors - - Airspeed Indications - Colour Coding - Pilot’S Serviceability Checks |
| Composite - Instrumentation - Flight Instruments | Altimeter - Principles Of Operation And Construction Function Of The Sub - Scale - Effects Of Atmospheric Density - Pressure Altitude - True Altitude - International Standard Atmosphere - Flight Level - Presentation (Three Needle) - Instrument Errors - Pilot’S Service Ability Checks /Vertical Speed Indicator (Vsi) - Principles Of Operation And Construction - Function - Inherent Lag - Instantaneous Vsi - Presentation - Pilot’S Serviceability Checks |
| Composite - Instrumentation - Flight Instruments | Gyroscopes - Principles - Rigidity - Precession / Turn Indicator / Attitude Indicator / Heading Indicator / Magnetic Compass |
| Composite - Instrumentation - Engine & other Instruments | Oil Temperature Gauge - Oil Pressure Gauge - Cylinder Head Temperature Gauge - Exhaust Gas Meter - Manifold Pressure Gauge - Fuel Pressure Gauge - Fuel Flow Gauge - Fuel Quantity Gauge (S) - Tachometer / Vacuum Gauge - Voltmeter And Ammeter - Warning Indicators |
| Composite - Air Regulations - Legislation | The Convention Of International Civil Aviation - The International Civil Aviation Organization - Documents To Be Carried In Aircraft - Use Of Aircraft Radio Equipment - Certificate Of Airworthiness - Licences Of Personnel - Recognition Of Certificates And Licences - Journey Log Books - Cargo Restrictions - Restrictions On Use Of Photographic Equipment - Endorsement Of Certificates Of Licences - Validity Of Endorsed Certificates And Licences Annexes To The Convention (‘ICAO Annexes’) Annex 7 Aircraft Nationality And Registration Marks - Definitions |
| Composite - Air Regulations - Rules of Air | Annex 2 Rules Of The Air - Definitions - Applicability - General Rules - Visual Flight Rules - Signals (Appendix 1) - Interception Of Civil Aircraft (Appendix 2) |
| Composite - Air Regulations - Air Traffic regulations and Air Traffic Services | Air Traffic Regulations And Air Traffic Services Annex 11 - Definitions - Objectives Of Air Traffic Services - Classification Of Airspace - Flight Information Regions - Control Areas And Control Zones - Air Traffic Control Services - Alerting Service - Visual Meteorological Conditions - Instrument Meteorological Conditions - In - Flight Contingencies |
| Composite - Air Regulations - Aerodrome data | Annex 14 Aerodrome Data - Definitions - Conditions Of The Movement Area And Related Facilities - Visual Aids For Navigation - Indicators And Signalling Devices - Markings - Lights - Signs - Markers - Signal Area - Visual Aids For Denoting Obstacles - Marking Of Objects - Lighting Of Objects - Visual Aids For Denoting Restricted Use Of Areas - Emergency And Other Services : Fire And Rescue Service - Aerodrome Ground Lights And Surface Marking Colours - Colours For Aeronautical Ground Lights - Colours For Surface Markings |
| Composite - Air Regulations - ICAO Doc 4444 | General Provisions - Definitions - Ats Operating Practices - Flight Plan Clearance And Information - Control Of Air Traffic Flow - Altimeter Setting Procedures - Wake Turbulence Information - Meteorological Information Air Reports (AIREP) - Area Control Service - Separation Of Controlled Traffic In The Various Classes Of Airspace - Pilots - Responsibility To Maintain Separation In Vmc - Emergency And Communications Failure Procedures By The Pilot - Interception Of Civil Aircraft |
| Composite - Air Regulations - Doc 4444 | Approach Control Service - Departing And Arriving Aircraft Procedures In VMC - Aerodrome Control Service - Function Of Aerodrome Control Towers - VFR Operations - Traffic And Circuit Procedures - Information To Aircraft - Control Of Aerodrome Traffic - Flight Information And Alerting Service - Air Traffic Advisory Service - Objectives |
| Composite - Air Regulations - Aircraft Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements | Validity Of Licences And Ratings - Medical Fitness - Decrease In Medical Fitness - Crediting Of Flight Time - State Of Licence Issue - Requirements - Minimum Age - Privilege And Conditions - Ratings For Special Purposes - Experience And Crediting - Training Course - Theoretical Knowledge Examination - Skill Test - Circumstances In Which An Instrument Rating Is Required - Type And Class Ratings - Division Of Class Ratings - Circumstances In Which Type Or Class Ratings Are Required - Validity - Revalidation And Renewal |
| Composite - Air Regulations - Contravention of Aviation Regulations | Offences - Penalties |
| Composite - Air Regulations - National Law | Applicability Of National Laws |
| Composite - Air Regulations - Operational Procedures | Search & Rescue |
| Composite - Air Regulations - Human Performance & Regulations | Basic Physiology Basic Concepts Of: - Composition Of The Atmosphere - Respiration And Blood Circulation - Effects Of Partial Pressure - Hearing - Motion Sickness - Flying And Health - Toxic Hazards - Dangerous Goods - Carbon Monoxide From Heaters |
| Composite - Air Regulations - Basic psychology | The Information Process And Its Concepts Stress Judgment And Decision Making |
I hope you have understood the broad syllabus of ground subjects for obtaining a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), from Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).