DGCA CPL Technical General study plan

Differentiate truss, semi-monocoque and stressed-skin construction, and name the structural members (spar, rib, stringer, former, bulkhead) that carry each load path on a typical light twin.

Trace the flow of fluid through a hydraulic system - reservoir, filter, engine-driven pump, pressure relief valve, selector valve, actuator, return - and explain what the relief valve and a thermal relief valve each protect against.

Describe the actuation chain for primary and secondary flight controls (cable and turnbuckle, push-pull rod, torque tube, bell crank) and state the effect of excessive cable tension or a missing turnbuckle safety.

Explain how a vacuum/pneumatic system drives the gyros: pump, regulator, filter, gauge indication, and the instrument symptoms of a failed pump or leaking line.

Compute a basic weight-and-balance problem from an empty weight, empty moment, payload and fuel figures, and state whether the result is inside the CG envelope.

Explain the operating sequence of a retractable landing gear system (selector, up-locks, down-locks, squat switch, warning horn) and list the checks that confirm the gear is down and locked.

Compare shoe-type and disc brakes, describe the function of the master cylinder, parking brake valve and anti-skid or auto-brake if fitted, and state the failure symptom of air in the brake lines.

Describe how a pressurization system works (outflow valve, cabin pressure controller, differential pressure limit, cabin altitude warning) and explain the purpose of the negative pressure relief valve.

Identify the anti-ice and de-ice methods used on light aircraft (carburettor heat, pitot heat, pneumatic de-ice boots, weeping wing, alcohol) and state which ones are anti-ice versus de-ice.

Describe the layout and safety features of a light-aircraft fuel system: tanks, selector, strainer, boost pump, vent, and the consequence of a blocked tank vent.

Explain the four-stroke cycle of a horizontally opposed reciprocating engine, naming each stroke, valve position and the point of ignition, and state why valve overlap is used.

Describe the ignition system from magneto to spark plug, explain why two independent magnetos are fitted, and state the operational meaning of a magneto drop on the run-up check.

Compare carburettor and fuel-injection metering, explain carburettor icing conditions and the use of carburettor heat, and state what an excessively lean or rich mixture does to cylinder head temperature.

Describe the lubrication and cooling systems: dry-sump versus wet-sump, oil pump, cooler, pressure relief valve, thermostatic bypass, cooling fins and cowl flaps.

Explain detonation and pre-ignition, list the factors that trigger each, and state the corrective action a pilot takes when either is suspected.

Compare fixed-pitch and constant-speed propellers, explain how a governor maintains rpm through oil pressure and counterweights, and state the effect of a governor failure on propeller pitch.

Explain propeller terms and effects - blade angle, geometric and effective pitch, slip, feathering, windmilling, asymmetric blade effect and torque - and describe the checks used during a run-up.

Describe the basic operation of a turbine engine: compressor, combustion chamber, turbine, accessory gearbox, and the meaning of EGT, N1, N2 and ITT readings in the cockpit.

Identify the engine instruments (tachometer, manifold pressure gauge, CHT, EGT, oil pressure and temperature, fuel flow) and state what each indicates and its normal operating range.

Explain how a turbocharger or supercharger restores manifold pressure with altitude and state the purpose of the wastegate and overboost protection.

Explain how the pitot-static system feeds the airspeed indicator, altimeter and vertical speed indicator, and predict the reading of each instrument when the pitot tube is blocked, the static port is blocked, or both are blocked.

List and explain airspeed indicator errors - position, density, compressibility, installation and lag - and convert between indicated, calibrated, true and ground speed using the appropriate corrections.

Describe the erection and operation of the attitude indicator, heading indicator and turn coordinator, and state the indication of a gyro that has tumbled or lost its vacuum source.

Explain altimeter setting procedure, the meaning of QNH, QFE and standard pressure, the effect of extremely low pressure on the altimeter, and the errors caused by temperature and lag.

Explain magnetic compass construction, deviation, variation and turning/dip errors, and state when the compass is used as the primary heading reference.

Explain the DC generation system from alternator or generator through the voltage regulator, overvoltage protection and bus bar, and state the cockpit indication of an alternator failure and the pilot's response.

Compare lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries in construction and charging behaviour, and explain thermal runaway, overcharging and the checks due before flight.

Trace a typical electrical distribution layout - battery, master switch, buses, circuit breakers, fuses, ground returns - and explain why bonding and static discharge wicks are fitted.

Describe the operating principle of avionics typically fitted to light aircraft (VHF radio, VOR/ILS receiver, transponder, GPS, ELT) and state what each requires from the electrical system.

Explain electromagnetic interference and shielding, the purpose of the avionics master switch, and the precautions taken when jump-starting or ground-testing avionics.

Compare 2024, 6061 and 7075 aluminium alloys, state which are heat-treatable and which are not, and explain the meaning of solution heat treatment, quenching and ageing.

Identify the common forms of corrosion (surface, galvanic, pitting, intergranular, exfoliation, fretting) and state the inspection and treatment action for each.

Differentiate AN and MS hardware: bolts by grip and shank, nuts, washers, cotter pins, split pins, and the correct use of safety wire and self-locking nuts.

Explain correct torque application, including the effect of lubricant, thread length and washer type on a torque value, and state why torque is applied to a dry or wet thread as specified.

Explain the purpose of maintenance documentation - airworthiness directives, service bulletins, maintenance schedule and logbook entries - and describe what an annual or 100-hour inspection covers.

Re-list every weak objective identified in weeks 1–7 and re-test each one until it is answered correctly twice in a row.

Complete two full-length timed mocks under exam conditions and review every incorrect answer back to the source topic, not just the question text.

Consolidate cross-domain links - for example how an electrical failure affects instruments, or how a materials defect affects a structural inspection - into a single revision sheet.

Rehearse the calculation types (weight and balance, fuel consumption, speed and pressure conversions) until each is completed accurately under time pressure.