ATPL Aircraft General Knowledge study guide
ATPL Aircraft General Knowledge · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Aircraft General Knowledge (AGK) is one of the fourteen theoretical knowledge subjects a candidate must pass before taking the EASA Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) or Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) skill test. It is also examined, with national variations, by other authorities such as the UK CAA. The subject is aimed at ab initio pilots in an approved training organisation, and it rewards students who can visualise systems rather than memorise lists. AGK covers airframe structures and hydraulic power, air conditioning and pressurisation, oxygen, ice and rain protection, fire detection and extinguishing, electrical power and basic electrics, piston and turbine engines with propellers, fuel and lubrication systems, engine indications, flight controls, autopilot and landing gear. The ATPL Aircraft General Knowledge study guide has 6 sections and about 2,088 words.
01Airframes, structures and hydraulic systems
This domain tests how the airframe carries and transmits loads, and how hydraulic power is generated, controlled and distributed. Expect structural design philosophy, load paths, fluid types, pumps, accumulators and protective valves.
348 words, about 2 min02Air conditioning, pressurisation and oxygen systems
This domain covers bleed-air air conditioning, cabin pressurisation and crew/passenger oxygen. Questions target pack operation, outflow-valve control, differential pressure limits and oxygen delivery modes.
351 words, about 2 min03Ice and rain protection, and fire protection systems
This domain tests ice detection and removal, rain removal, and fire detection and extinguishing. Know the difference between anti-ice and de-ice, protected surfaces, detector types and fire drill actions.
360 words, about 2 min04Electrical power systems and basic electrics
This domain covers DC and AC generation, distribution, protection, batteries and emergency power. Expect bus architecture, generator control, battery characteristics and source paralleling.
322 words, about 2 min05Piston and turbine engines, propellers, fuel systems, lubrication and engine indications
This domain covers piston and turbine engine cycles, propeller control, fuel and oil systems, and engine indications. Expect mixture, detonation, N1/N2, EGT, governor operation and fuel type questions.
341 words, about 2 min06Flight controls, autopilot and landing gear
This domain covers primary and secondary flight controls, fly-by-wire, autopilot modes and landing gear. Expect control function, trim, envelope protection, autopilot disconnect logic and gear/brake operation.
366 words, about 2 min