CPL Aircraft General Knowledge study guide
CPL Aircraft General Knowledge · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The CPL Aircraft General Knowledge (AGK) examination is one of the theoretical knowledge examinations a candidate must pass on the path to a Commercial Pilot Licence. It tests whether you understand the machine you fly - its structure, systems and powerplants - well enough to operate it as a commercial pilot, recognise abnormal indications and apply the correct limitations. The CPL Aircraft General Knowledge study guide has 5 sections and about 1,508 words.
01Aircraft General Knowledge: Airframe, Systems and Powerplants
This domain checks that you see the aircraft as an integrated machine: structural design philosophy, ATA system grouping, and how the powerplant is installed and controlled. Questions often ask you to classify a design feature or calculate a certified load.
306 words, about 2 min02Airframe Structures and Flight Controls
This domain examines airframe construction, load paths, flight control surfaces, and the aerodynamic and mass-balance problems that affect control. A semi-monocoque structure uses skin to carry shear and some bending, stringers to stiffen the skin and carry axial load, and frames or ribs to maintain shape and transfer concentrated loads.
323 words, about 2 min03Aircraft Systems: Electrical, Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Fuel, Ice and Rain Protection
This domain examines system architecture and operation: electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel, and ice and rain protection. Expect questions on busbars, pressure values, valve function, and anti-ice versus de-ice.
302 words, about 2 min04Piston and Turbine Powerplants, Propellers
This domain covers piston and turbine powerplants and propellers: cycles, mixture and detonation, turbine limits, and propeller control. A four-stroke piston engine has intake, compression, power, and exhaust strokes.
294 words, about 1 min05Instruments, Warning Systems and Performance Limitations
This domain covers pitot-static and gyroscopic instruments, warning systems, and the performance limitations that constrain dispatch. The pitot-static system feeds the airspeed indicator, altimeter, and vertical speed indicator.
283 words, about 1 min