ANAC Commercial Pilot Airplane (PCA) study guide
ANAC Commercial Pilot Airplane (PCA) · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Commercial Pilot Licence - Airplane (PCA) is the Brazilian civil aviation credential that allows a pilot to act as pilot-in-command of aircraft in commercial air transport operations and to receive compensation for flying. In Brazil it is issued by ANAC, the national civil aviation agency, and sits one step above the private pilot licence: it demands more flight experience, more theoretical depth, and a higher standard of decision-making. The ANAC Commercial Pilot Airplane (PCA) study guide has 9 sections and about 2,622 words.
01Air Law and Aeronautical Regulations (ANAC / ICAO framework)
Brazilian civil aviation sits under the Código Brasileiro de Aeronáutica (Lei 7.565/1986) and the RBAC series issued by ANAC, which implement ICAO Annexes. Know which instrument governs what: RBAC 61 (licences and ratings), RBAC 91 (general operating and flight rules), RBAC 135 (commuter/on-demand), RBAC 121 (airline), RBAC 141 (flight schools).
320 words, about 2 min02Aircraft General Knowledge and Systems
You must understand the reciprocating engine cycle, the role of the carburettor vs fuel injection , mixture control , magneto ignition , and the constant-speed propeller (governor, oil pressure, pitch vs RPM). Know the electrical system (alternator, battery, bus), hydraulics (where fitted), pitot-static and gyroscopic instruments , and pressurisation on turboprops/jets.
296 words, about 1 min03Flight Performance
Performance questions test your ability to read takeoff/landing distance charts , climb performance , cruise tables , and POH graphs correctly. You must understand density altitude , headwind/tailwind correction , runway slope , and obstacle clearance .
301 words, about 2 min04Weight and Balance, and Planning
You must compute empty weight, basic operating weight, payload, fuel, and maximum takeoff/landing weights , and verify CG position within limits. Know the difference between arm (moment arm) , moment (weight × arm) , and CG (total moment ÷ total weight) .
297 words, about 1 min05Human Performance and Limitations
This domain covers hypoxia, hyperventilation, decompression, spatial disorientation, fatigue, stress, and decision-making . Understand the sensory systems (vision, vestibular, proprioception) and their limitations.
230 words, about 1 min06Meteorology
Understand ISA , pressure systems , fronts , thunderstorms , icing , wind shear , and fog . Know the standard atmosphere values: sea level 15 °C, 1013.25 hPa, lapse rate 1.98 °C/1 000 ft (≈2 °C/1 000 ft).
283 words, about 1 min07Navigation and Radio Navigation
You must be comfortable with dead reckoning , wind triangle , magnetic variation and deviation , chart reading , and radio navigation aids : VOR, NDB/ADF, DME, ILS, GNSS, and RNAV. True vs magnetic vs compass: True ± variation = magnetic; magnetic ± deviation = compass.
239 words, about 1 min08Operational Procedures
This domain tests checklists , emergency procedures , fuel management , takeoff and landing performance , noise abatement , and CRM . You must know the standard emergency memory items and the logic behind them.
223 words, about 1 min09Principles of Flight
Understand lift generation , angle of attack (AoA) , stall , load factor , stability , and control . Know the four forces and how they interact.
433 words, about 2 min