CAA NZ ATPL Theory - Advanced Aerodynamics, Performance and Systems Knowledge study plan

Derive and write out from memory the relationships between lift coefficient, angle of attack, and indicated airspeed for a fixed mass and load factor, explaining why stall speed varies with the square root of load factor

Sketch and label lift, drag, thrust and weight in a steady climb, glide and level turn, and calculate the load factor in a level 45-degree banked turn

Define critical angle of attack and explain, in writing, why stall is an angle-of-attack phenomenon rather than a speed phenomenon, including the effect of weight, load factor, CG position and ice contamination

Produce a one-page summary table of induced, parasite and total drag versus airspeed, marking minimum drag speed and minimum power speed and stating which is used for maximum endurance and maximum range

Explain the causes of and recovery from shock stall and Mach tuck, including critical Mach number, local acceleration over the wing and the function of sweepback

Describe how a swept wing trades low-speed lift for high-speed delay of drag rise, and state the effects on stall characteristics and pitch-up tendencies

Calculate true airspeed from indicated airspeed and density altitude, and explain position error, compressibility error and instrument error in the high-speed regime

Compare stability in pitch, roll and yaw, explaining the roles of static margin, dihedral, fin area and CG position, and describe spiral divergence and Dutch roll and their standard recovery actions

Define the four take-off and landing distance segments (ground roll, transition, climb, and for landing the approach and flare) and state which factors affect each

Calculate density altitude from pressure altitude and temperature, and explain its effect on take-off run, climb gradient and landing roll

Explain the effect of wind, slope, runway surface, flap setting, mass and anti-skid or reverse thrust on take-off and landing distances

Interpret a take-off distance required versus mass and density altitude relationship, and state the meaning of V1, VR, V2, VMCA, VMCG and VMBE

Calculate climb gradient and rate of climb from excess thrust or excess power, and convert between gradient and rate of climb at a given groundspeed

Explain the effect of mass, altitude, temperature and flap setting on climb performance, including the service ceiling and absolute ceiling

Explain the construction and use of the take-off flight path and obstacle clearance requirements, including net versus gross gradient and the 35 ft screen height

Distinguish maximum range from maximum endurance speeds and explain the effect of wind, altitude, mass and configuration on each

Describe the layout and function of a typical hydraulic system, including reservoirs, pumps, accumulators, filters, relief valves and selector valves, and explain how system pressure is maintained

Explain the function of the electrical system, including busbar distribution, generators and alternators, battery, and the consequences of a generator failure on load shedding

Describe the pitot-static system, its sources of error (blocked pitot, blocked static, water in lines) and the resulting instrument indications

Explain the operation of the air data and attitude reference systems, including redundancy and failure indications

Describe the fuel system from tanks through pumps, filters, valves and engine feed, and explain fuel imbalance, transfer and jettison procedures

Explain the operation of the ice and rain protection systems, including thermal, chemical and pneumatic de-icing, and the effect of airframe icing on performance and stall speed

Describe the pressurisation system, including outflow valve control, cabin altitude and differential pressure limits, and the response to a rapid decompression

Explain the fire detection and extinguishing systems, including zones, detectors, warnings and the actions required for an engine or cargo fire

Explain the principles of mass and balance, including datum, moment, arm, centre of gravity, and the calculation of CG position from a load sheet

Calculate the effect of loading changes (passengers, cargo, fuel burn) on CG and determine whether the result lies within the forward and aft limits

Explain the effect of forward and aft CG on stability, stall speed, cruise performance and fuel consumption, and state the reasons for forward and aft CG limits

Describe the standard load sheet and the meaning of dry operating mass, operating mass, take-off mass, landing mass and traffic load

Consolidate all four domains by reworking every previously missed question and stating the underlying principle for each

Complete two full timed mock examinations under exam conditions and analyse the results by domain to identify the weakest two areas

Produce a one-page revision sheet per domain containing only the formulas, limits and failure actions most likely to be examined

Verify that all mass and balance calculations can be completed accurately and within time without reference notes