The 13 EASA ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) Theory Exams refer to a set of exams required to obtain the ATPL under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations. These exams are part of the training for aspiring commercial pilots who wish to become airline captains or pursue other advanced piloting roles. EASA requires candidates to pass a series of written theoretical exams to ensure they have the necessary knowledge in various areas of aviation.
The 13 EASA ATPL theory subjects are:
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Air Law – Covers rules, regulations, and procedures governing aviation operations.
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Aircraft General Knowledge (AGK) – Includes the principles of flight, aircraft systems, and maintenance.
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Flight Planning and Monitoring – Involves flight route planning, weather considerations, and navigation.
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Human Performance – Focuses on human factors, physiology, and psychological aspects in aviation.
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Meteorology – Covers weather patterns, forecasting, and interpreting weather data for flight planning.
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Navigation – Includes both theoretical and practical aspects of navigation, such as charts, GPS, and airspace.
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Operational Procedures – Deals with standard operating procedures, emergency protocols, and airline operations.
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Principles of Flight – Discusses aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and the behavior of aircraft in various conditions.
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Radio Navigation – Covers navigation using radio signals, such as VOR, ILS, and GPS.
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Regulations – Focuses on international aviation law, licensing, and flight safety regulations.
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General Knowledge of Airframes and Systems – Detailed understanding of an aircraft’s structure, engines, and systems.
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Flight Management Systems (FMS) – Theoretical knowledge on the functioning and use of modern aircraft flight management systems.
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Security – Deals with security aspects of aviation, including protocols for ensuring flight safety and responding to threats.
These exams are required to be passed as part of obtaining the theoretical knowledge necessary for the ATPL, which is the highest level of pilot certification under EASA. After passing these exams, candidates still need to complete practical flight training and other requirements to obtain the full ATPL.