CPL Aircraft General Knowledge study plan

Map the airframe into its primary structural groups (fuselage, wing, empennage, landing gear) and label the load paths carried by each

Explain how semi-monocoque construction distributes stress between skin, stringers, frames and bulkheads, and why that matters for damage tolerance

Identify the three primary flight control axes and match each to its control surface, hinge line and actuation type

Sketch a labelled diagram of a typical wing spar, rib and skin attachment from memory and check it against your notes

Distinguish primary, secondary and auxiliary flight controls and give one failure consequence for each

Describe the difference between cable-and-pulley, push-pull rod and fly-by-wire control runs, including the failure modes of each

Explain mass balance, flutter and aileron reversal and how aircraft designers prevent each

Summarise how high-lift devices (flaps, slats, spoilers) alter lift and drag through each phase of flight

Trace the DC electrical system from battery and alternator/generator through bus bars, relays and circuit breakers to a named consumer

Explain the purpose and operation of a voltage regulator, overvoltage protection and the master switch

Describe how the hydraulic system generates, stores and distributes pressure, including accumulators, relief valves and selectors

Outline the pneumatic system: sources of bleed air, its uses and the pressure regulation and safety components involved

Describe fuel system layout, tank types, venting, fuel selection and how water and contamination are managed

Explain the operation of carburettor icing protection and airframe ice and rain protection systems

Compare a horizontally opposed piston engine with a turbine engine on the basis of induction, compression, ignition and exhaust

Explain how a propeller converts engine power into thrust and define pitch, blade angle and constant-speed operation

Describe the four-stroke cycle and identify the function of each major piston engine component

Explain the ignition, lubrication and cooling systems of a piston engine and the consequence of each failing

Describe the turbine engine sections (intake, compressor, combustion, turbine, exhaust) and the gas flow through them

Explain propeller forces, feathering, and the effect of density altitude on propeller and engine performance

Explain the operating principle of the pitot-static instruments and the errors affecting each

Describe the gyroscopic instruments and their power sources, plus the failure indications when a source is lost

Identify the main engine and airframe warning systems and interpret a given set of warning indications

Explain how mass, balance and density altitude limit aircraft performance and calculate a simple take-off and landing performance figure from given data

Revisit the weakest two domains from earlier weeks and close every gap listed in your error log

Explain how airframe, system and powerplant knowledge combine in one normal flight profile from pre-start to shutdown

Describe the correct response to three specified system malfunctions using your own notes only

Answer 40 mixed practice questions and record the domain of every incorrect answer

Complete two full-length timed practice papers and record the score per domain

Rank your five domains by accuracy and revise the lowest-ranked one first

Recite the key limitations, speeds and system figures from memory without notes

Confirm every remaining uncertainty is resolved or flagged as needing review