WACE Aviation study plan

Map the four forces and the lift, weight, thrust and drag relationships onto a labelled aircraft diagram from memory

List the major airframe, flight control and landing gear components and state the function of each

Trace the basic piston-engine and propeller powerplant cycle from intake to thrust production

Define the primary flight instruments and explain what each one actually measures

Explain how the electrical, hydraulic, fuel and pitot-static systems support flight and identify one failure consequence for each

Describe the four forces in steady level flight and in a climb, descent and turn

Define angle of attack, chord line, relative airflow and the critical angle of attack

Distinguish induced, parasite, profile and interference drag and state how each varies with airspeed

Explain lift generation using both Bernoulli and Newton principles without relying on a single explanation

Describe the four factors affecting lift and how the lift formula relates them

Analyse stall onset, symptoms, recovery and the effect of load factor, weight, configuration and bank angle on stall speed

Explain stability in pitch, roll and yaw and the role of the tail surfaces, dihedral and fin

Describe how flaps, slats, spoilers and trim change performance and handling

Interpret a sectional-style chart and identify airspace classes, navaids and obstruction symbols

Convert between true, magnetic and compass headings and calculate track, heading and wind correction

Compute groundspeed, fuel burn, endurance and time en route for a planned leg

Read and decode a METAR and TAF for a chosen aerodrome

Explain how pressure, temperature, density and humidity affect aircraft performance and altimeter readings

Describe the formation of cloud, fog, thunderstorms and icing conditions and the hazard each presents

Interpret synoptic charts, isobars and fronts to forecast wind and weather changes

Calculate density altitude and pressure altitude for given conditions

Identify the human factors that degrade pilot performance, including fatigue, hypoxia, spatial disorientation and stress

Apply the IMSAFE and PAVE checklists to a scenario and state the decision each prompts

Explain the threat and error management model and give one cockpit example of each countermeasure

Outline the regulatory framework governing licensing, airworthiness, maintenance and right of way

Describe the purpose and content of a safety management system and a just culture

Describe accident causation models and how investigation findings feed back into regulation

Explain the roles of the regulator, the operator and the aerodrome in managing safety

Map the career pathways from flight training through to airline, charter, agricultural and remote pilot roles

Summarise the economics and structure of the general aviation, airline and airport sectors

Identify emerging industry changes such as automation, sustainable fuels and uncrewed aircraft integration

Complete a timed mixed-topic mock covering all five domains and log your score per domain

Re-teach your two weakest domain areas from memory in written form

Drill the definitions, formulas and regulations you missed until each is recalled correctly twice

Summarise the whole course onto a single revision sheet of key facts and formulas