BDCA PPL Knowledge Exam case studies
BDCA PPL Knowledge Exam · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The BDCA Private Pilot Licence Knowledge Examination is the theoretical ground examination a candidate must pass before, or alongside, practical flight training toward a private pilot licence. It is aimed at student pilots beginning ab initio training, and at licence holders or enthusiasts who need to demonstrate current theoretical knowledge. The paper is multiple choice and samples the nine standard ground subjects: air law and ATC procedures, aircraft general knowledge, flight performance and planning, human performance and limitations, meteorology, navigation, operational procedures, principles of flight, and communications. Expect questions that test applied judgement rather than isolated definitions - reading a crosswind component, interpreting a met report, or deciding who has right of way. The BDCA PPL Knowledge Exam case studies are 5 cases and about 1,984 words.
1Fuel, Endurance and the Alternate
You plan a VFR cross-country in a single-engine piston aeroplane. Trip fuel to destination is 68 L, taxi and start 4 L, and the planned cruise burn is 32 L/h.
445 words, about 2 min2Density Altitude on a Short Strip
A normally aspirated four-seat aeroplane is loaded to 1,090 kg against a 1,100 kg maximum. The departure strip is 620 m of dry grass, sloping 1.5% uphill in the take-off direction, with a 6 kt tailwind component.
377 words, about 2 min3icing, Carburettor Heat and the Go/No-Go
You are cruising at 9,500 ft in a carburettor-equipped piston aeroplane. OAT is −2 °C, visible moisture is present as a thin layer, and the outside air is stable.
394 words, about 2 min4Wake Turbulence on a Parallel Approach
You are flying a light twin on a visual approach to a runway with a parallel runway 700 m to the left. A heavy four-engine jet has just landed on the left runway and another heavy is on a 3-mile final to the same left runway.
401 words, about 2 min5Lost Comms in Controlled Airspace
You are on an IFR flight in controlled airspace at 8,000 ft, cleared to a destination 60 nm ahead. Your radio fails completely: no transmit, no receive.
367 words, about 2 min