CAAB PPL Theory study plan

Explain how the 1-in-60 rule converts track error and closing angle into heading corrections, and work through at least ten drift and diversion calculations without notes.

Convert between true, magnetic and compass headings for a series of given variation and deviation values, and state the sign conventions aloud until they are automatic.

Outline the structure of controlled and uncontrolled airspace classes and identify the visual flight rules minima that apply to each, using your own written summary rather than a copied table.

Describe the licensing, medical and recency requirements that apply to a private pilot, and list the documents that must be carried on a flight.

Map the main radio navigation aids (VOR, DME, NDB, ILS, GNSS) to the cockpit indications each produces and the errors each is prone to.

Plot a three-leg cross-country route on a chart, measure tracks and distances, and complete a full nav log including wind triangle solutions for each leg.

Interpret a printed area forecast and a terminal aerodrome forecast, and state in writing whether each is usable for a planned visual flight.

Decode a low-level significant weather chart and identify the hazards relevant to a light aircraft on the planned route.

Explain how pressure systems, fronts and local wind effects such as sea breezes and valley winds change during a typical flying day.

Describe the formation of icing, turbulence and low-level wind shear, and state the conditions under which each becomes a go/no-go factor.

Interpret METAR and TAF reports including trend groups, and convert between QNH, QFE and QNE with worked examples.

Explain cloud classification, ceiling definitions and visibility restrictions well enough to justify a personal minimum in writing.

Describe altimeter setting errors and calculate true altitude from indicated altitude, elevation and temperature deviation.

Summarise the rules on right of way, lights and signals, and separation from cloud and terrain in the airspace you fly in.

Explain the process for filing and closing a flight plan, and the actions required when a flight plan is not closed.

Trace the four-stroke cycle and explain how mixture, ignition timing and load interact to produce power, without referring to notes.

Describe the aircraft electrical system from battery through alternator, regulator and bus, and explain what fails and what remains available in a total alternator failure.

Explain the purpose and operation of the pitot-static and gyroscopic instruments, and predict the indications each gives after a blocked pitot or static source.

Relate angle of attack, lift, drag and load factor, and explain why an accelerated stall occurs at a higher speed than a one-g stall.

Explain stability in pitch, roll and yaw, and describe how centre of gravity position affects controllability and stall recovery.

Complete mass and balance calculations for three loading scenarios, determine whether each is inside limits, and state the corrective action where it is not.

Extract take-off and landing distance figures from performance charts for given pressure altitude, temperature, mass and wind, and apply the appropriate safety factors.

Explain how density altitude, runway slope, surface condition and wind alter take-off, climb and landing performance.

Calculate fuel required for a planned flight including taxi, climb, cruise, descent, diversion and reserve, and compare it with usable capacity.

Explain the relationship between mass, wing loading and stall speed, and use it to justify a personal loading limit.

Describe the sensory systems used in orientation and explain how their limitations produce the common spatial disorientation illusions.

Explain hypoxia, hyperventilation, carbon monoxide poisoning and decompression, including recognition and the correct immediate response for each.

Interpret personal fitness-to-fly factors including fatigue, stress, medication and alcohol, and apply a decision model to three written scenarios.

Describe the checks and briefings required before take-off, in the cruise and before landing, and explain the purpose of each.

Explain emergency procedures for engine failure after take-off, forced landing and ditching, and state the priorities in order.

Transmit and receive the standard phrases for departure, position reporting, arrival and emergency using correct phraseology and readback.

Explain the difference between VFR and IFR communication requirements and identify the frequencies and services available on a planned route.

Describe radio failure procedures for both visual and instrument conditions and state the actions in the correct sequence.

Explain how GNSS, VOR and ILS approaches differ in guidance, accuracy and failure modes, and interpret the associated cockpit indications.

Practise position reporting and diversion calls aloud until each is delivered without hesitation.

Complete two full-length timed practice papers under exam conditions and record the score for each domain.

Identify the three weakest domains from the practice results and re-work the underlying material for each.

Re-derive the key formulas for navigation, altimetry, mass and balance and performance from memory and check them against source material.

Explain the privileges and limitations of the licence and the rules on passenger carrying and recent experience without notes.

Build a personal pre-flight and pre-exam checklist that consolidates the recurring error patterns found across the eight weeks.