NCAA CPL Principles of Flight study plan
NCAA CPL Principles of Flight · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Aerodynamics, airspeed and Mach concepts & Performance, flight mechanics and load factor
Define IAS, CAS, EAS, TAS and ground speed, and convert between them for three worked examples at differing altitude and temperature.
Derive and apply the lift equation to predict how stall speed changes with weight, altitude (density) and load factor.
Compute load factor in level, banked and pull-up/pull-down manoeuvres using n = 1/cos(bank) and the turn-rate relationships.
Explain the Mach number definition, local speed of sound variation with temperature, and the difference between Mach number and TAS at altitude.
Your checkpoint
A one-page formula sheet plus 15 self-written numerical problems on airspeed/load factor with fully worked solutions.
Two-dimensional and three-dimensional airflow, lift and drag & Lift augmentation and drag reduction devices
Distinguish 2D section characteristics (Cl-alpha, Cd-Cl polar) from 3D wing behaviour including induced downwash and aspect-ratio effects.
Calculate induced drag and explain its variation with speed, weight and span loading.
Compare boundary-layer behaviour, separation and the mechanisms of vortex generators, stall strips, winglets and fairings.
Describe how flaps (plain, split, slotted, Fowler) and slats change Cl-max, Cd and pitching moment.
Your checkpoint
A comparison table of at least six lift-augmentation and drag-reduction devices listing mechanism, effect on Cl/Cd/Cm and typical operational use.
Stability and control
Explain static and dynamic stability in pitch, roll and yaw, and identify the role of the neutral point, CG and static margin.
Describe how the horizontal tail, vertical tail, dihedral, sweep and keel area contribute to stability and control.
Analyse control effectiveness, hinge moments, trim systems and the effects of speed and altitude on control authority.
Explain Dutch roll, spiral divergence and phugoid tendencies and the design features that damp them.
Your checkpoint
A labelled stability-and-control summary diagram (self-drawn) with a 300-word explanatory note covering all three axes.
Stalling and spinning & Asymmetric flight and multi-engine aerodynamics
Explain the stall sequence: boundary-layer separation, critical angle of attack, and why stall is AoA-driven, not speed-driven.
Describe stall recognition, wing-drop, and the differences between accelerated, cross-controlled, deep and tailplane stalls.
Outline the phases of a spin (incipient, developed, recovery) and the inputs required for recovery in a light twin.
Analyse asymmetric flight: critical engine determination, Vmc factors, and the effect of bank, weight, CG and density altitude on controllability.
Your checkpoint
A written scenario analysis of a multi-engine stall-to-spin entry and recovery, including at least eight factors influencing Vmc.
Performance, flight mechanics and load factor & Propellers
Construct and interpret a load-factor versus speed (V-n) diagram including manoeuvring, gust and flap envelopes.
Calculate turn radius and rate, and explain the effect of load factor on stall speed and structural limits.
Describe propeller theory: blade angle, pitch, advance ratio, slip, and the fixed-pitch versus constant-speed comparison.
Explain propeller forces and moments (torque, P-factor, slipstream, gyroscopic precession) and their effect on takeoff and asymmetric handling.
Your checkpoint
A hand-drawn V-n diagram with annotated limits, plus a 10-question self-test on propeller forces answered in writing.
High-speed flight and compressibility effects & Limitations and flight envelope
Explain critical Mach number, shock-wave formation, and the onset of wave drag and Mach buffet.
Describe sweep, area rule, supercritical aerofoils and their effect on high-speed drag rise.
Interpret the flight envelope: Vmo/Mmo, Vne, Vno, Va, Vfe, Vle and the certification basis behind each limit.
Explain flutter, aileron reversal and Mach tuck as envelope-related hazards and the operational precautions for each.
Your checkpoint
A one-page envelope reference card listing every V-speed and Mach limit with its definition and the reason for the limit.
Aerodynamics, airspeed and Mach concepts & Stability and control & Stalling and spinning
Re-work all incorrect questions from weeks 1-6 and write the correct reasoning for each.
Complete two timed 40-question mixed sets covering all ten domains, recording scores and weak areas.
Explain in writing the interaction between CG position, stability and stall/spin behaviour.
Review airspeed and Mach conversions under exam timing pressure.
Your checkpoint
A timed mock exam score log with a written remediation list of at least five specific weak areas and the action for each.
Performance, flight mechanics and load factor & Asymmetric flight and multi-engine aerodynamics & High-speed flight and compressibility effects
Re-drill the highest-weight domains (performance/load factor, asymmetric flight, high-speed flight) to at least 85% accuracy on timed sets.
Complete two full-length timed mock exams under exam conditions.
Summarise the ten domains in a single condensed revision sheet from memory, then check against source material.
Identify and close any remaining knowledge gaps before exam day.
Your checkpoint
Two completed full-length mock exams with scores, plus a final one-page condensed revision sheet covering all ten domains.
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80% on a self-made 20-question quiz on aerodynamics and lift/drag devices, and correctly solve all lift-equation and induced-drag calculations.
Week 4: Explain stall and spin recovery from memory without notes, and list at least eight Vmc-influencing factors with direction of effect.
Week 6: Complete a 40-question timed mixed set across all domains scoring at least 75%, with no domain below 60%.
Week 8: Achieve at least 85% on two full-length timed mock exams and confirm every domain is at or above 70%.