NCAA Flight Instructor
NCAA Flight Instructor Knowledge Test
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ExploreAbout this exam
The NCAA Flight Instructor Knowledge Test is the written examination that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority uses to assess the regulatory and instructional knowledge of applicants seeking a flight instructor rating. It is aimed at experienced pilots who intend to teach student pilots and to sign off instructional flying, so it tests both aeronautical competence and the ability to explain and correct errors in another pilot's performance. The examination is delivered in multiple-choice format and is drawn from four broad areas: instructional knowledge and teaching technique, analysis and correction of student errors, aircraft manoeuvres and flight safety, and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) applicable to flight instruction and personnel licensing. The pass mark published by the Authority is 75 percent, and a pass is valid for 24 calendar months from the date the result is issued. Applications to sit the test are submitted at the Authority's headquarters in Abuja or at the regional offices in Lagos, Kaduna and Enugu. The syllabus and detailed requirements for all knowledge tests are published in Advisory Circular NCAA-AC-PEL 018, available under Personnel Licensing Advisory Circulars on the Authority's website. Preparation should combine a close reading of the current Nig. CARs and that advisory circular with ground-instruction practice, because the test rewards instructors who can explain a manoeuvre and diagnose a fault, not just fly it. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with the NCAA.
What you'll study
About NCAA Flight Instructor preparation
What format does the Flight Instructor knowledge test take?
The NCAA knowledge tests are multiple-choice examinations, and the Authority's published passing grade is 75 percent. The source does not state the number of questions or the time allowed for the Flight Instructor paper, so check the current syllabus in Advisory Circular NCAA-AC-PEL 018 before you book.
How long is a pass valid?
Knowledge test results are valid for 24 calendar months from the date of issuance of the result. Plan the practical flight test and the rating application within that window, because an expired result means sitting the examination again.
Where can I apply to sit the test?
Applications are submitted at the Authority's headquarters in Abuja and at the regional offices located in Lagos, Kaduna and Enugu. The Authority's contact page also lists offices in Kano and Port Harcourt, so confirm the current test centre list with the Authority before travelling.
What happens if I fail?
You can apply to retake the test after presenting evidence of having received additional instruction from an Authorised Instructor in the areas of your deficiencies. Build that remedial training record as soon as you receive your result, since the application cannot proceed without it.
Where do I find the syllabus and requirements?
The syllabi and requirements for all knowledge tests are published in Advisory Circular NCAA-AC-PEL 018, located under Personnel Licensing Advisory Circulars on the Authority's website at www.ncaa.gov.ng/documents. Read that circular first, then map each subject area to the current Nig. CARs 2023.
How hard is the test, and what trips candidates up?
The 75 percent pass mark leaves little room for weak areas, and the four domains carry equal weight, so a strong pilot who neglects the regulations can still fail. The most common failure mode is treating the paper as a flying test and under-preparing the instructional and regulatory material.
In what order should I study?
Start with the regulations and the personnel licensing circular, since those facts are fixed and easy to score. Then work through instructional technique, error analysis and correction, and manoeuvre standards. Finish with practice explanations delivered aloud, which exposes gaps that reading alone will not reveal.
Does this page give official NCAA information?
No. This is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority. Always verify fees, question counts, test centres and current requirements directly with the Authority or through the published advisory circulars.