BDCA ATPL Knowledge Exam study plan

Map the Air Law and ATC Procedures syllabus into a one-page checklist covering licensing, rules of the air, ATS, and altimetry

State the standard altimeter setting rules and transition level/altitude conventions from memory without notes

Define the ICAO meteorological abbreviations, cloud genera, and visibility reporting conventions used in METAR and TAF

Decode ten full METAR and TAF reports, annotating every group

Explain the vertical structure of the atmosphere and the standard atmosphere values used for altimetry

Recite the right-of-way rules, minimum VMC criteria, and cruising level conventions for both VFR and IFR

Describe the classes of airspace and the services and clearances associated with each

Convert between true, magnetic, and compass headings using variation and deviation with worked arithmetic

Plot a three-leg route on a chart and compute true tracks, distances, and magnetic headings

Explain the difference between a rhumb line and a great circle and when each matters

Trace the load path through the primary airframe structure from wing spar to fuselage frames

Describe the operation of the hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic systems and their typical failure indications

Explain the four forces in steady flight and how they balance in climb, cruise, and descent

Derive the relationship between angle of attack, lift coefficient, and stall speed

Identify the causes, recognition, and recovery actions for the stall and spin

Compute takeoff and landing distances from tabular data with corrections for mass, altitude, temperature, wind, and surface

Describe how engine and propeller controls affect power output and fuel consumption

Explain the effect of mass, CG position, and density altitude on performance

Complete a full mass-and-balance calculation and confirm the result lies inside the envelope

Interpret a typical powerplant limitation chart and state its operational consequences

Explain the formation of fronts, pressure systems, and the weather associated with each

Describe icing, turbulence, windshear, and thunderstorm hazards and the avoidance strategies for each

Interpret significant weather charts and upper-wind forecasts for a planned route

Describe the sensory systems involved in spatial disorientation and name the illusions produced

Explain hypoxia, hyperventilation, and decompression and the correct response to each

Explain the principles of VOR, DME, ILS, and GNSS and the indications each presents in the cockpit

Describe radar services, transponder operation, and the meaning of the standard phraseologies

State the radio failure procedures for VFR and IFR and the associated light and squawk signals

Compose and read back clearances using correct standard phraseology

Explain the purpose and use of the emergency frequency and distress and urgency calls

Describe the content and use of the operational flight plan and the fuel policy behind it

Explain the purpose of the minimum equipment list and the procedures for handling defects

Describe emergency procedures for engine failure, fire, and depressurisation in the relevant phase of flight

Compute a fuel plan with reserves and contingency for a given route and state the assumptions

Explain passenger safety briefing requirements and the handling of dangerous goods

Sit two full-length timed mock exams under exam conditions and record the score per domain

Re-study the two weakest domains using the recorded error log until each reaches 80 percent

Recite the key numerical facts (VMC minima, altimeter settings, speed limits, fuel reserves) from memory

Review every flagged question and confirm the reasoning behind each corrected answer