CAAP ATPL Knowledge Exam study guide
CAAP ATPL Knowledge Exam · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) knowledge examination is the theoretical gateway to the highest grade of pilot licence issued under the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Candidates are typically commercial pilots building command experience toward the 1,500-hour aeronautical experience requirement, or holders of a foreign ATPL seeking validation. The CAAP ATPL Knowledge Exam study guide has 12 sections and about 2,854 words.
01Air Law and ATC Procedures
Air Law and ATC Procedures tests the regulatory framework and communication rules that make a flight legal and predictable: ICAO Annexes, Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations (PCAR), AIP Philippines, clearances, separation and emergency procedures. ICAO Annex 2 contains the Rules of the Air; Annex 11 covers air traffic services; Annex 14 covers aerodromes.
273 words, about 1 min02Aircraft General Knowledge - Airframe, Systems and Powerplant
This domain tests how the airframe, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, fuel and powerplant systems work together, and how system failures affect handling and dispatch decisions. Primary structure carries flight, pressurization and landing loads; secondary structure is non-load-critical.
242 words, about 1 min03Aircraft General Knowledge - Instrumentation
Instrumentation tests pitot-static and gyroscopic instruments, air-data computers, electronic displays and warning systems, with emphasis on interpreting failures and setting the correct pressure reference. The altimeter measures static pressure; QNH gives elevation above mean sea level, QFE gives height above a reference, and 1013.25 hPa gives pressure altitude.
253 words, about 1 min04Mass and Balance
Mass and Balance tests the calculation and control of aircraft weight and centre of gravity (CG) so that performance, stability and structural limits are respected throughout the flight. Weight × arm = moment; total moment divided by total weight gives the CG position.
244 words, about 1 min05Performance
Performance tests takeoff, landing, climb and obstacle clearance using aircraft data, atmospheric conditions and runway state. The exam expects correct interpretation of density altitude, wind, slope and contamination.
231 words, about 1 min06Flight Planning and Monitoring
Flight Planning and Monitoring tests fuel policy, route and altitude selection, alternate planning and in-flight monitoring against the operational flight plan. Taxi fuel, trip fuel, contingency fuel, alternate fuel, final reserve and extra fuel are separate items.
230 words, about 1 min07Human Performance and Limitations
Human Performance and Limitations tests how pilots perceive, decide and act under workload, and how hypoxia, fatigue, disorientation and communication failures degrade safety. Hypoxia reduces oxygen to tissues; symptoms include euphoria, impaired judgement and blurred vision.
222 words, about 1 min08Meteorology
Meteorology tests the atmosphere, pressure systems, wind, clouds, fronts, icing, thunderstorms and the interpretation of METAR, TAF, SIGMET and wind-shear warnings. QNH is the pressure setting that makes the altimeter read elevation; QFE reads height above a reference.
222 words, about 1 min09General Navigation
General Navigation tests position, direction, distance, time and chart work, including the differences between great-circle and rhumb-line tracks and the conversion between true and magnetic directions. Latitude is measured north/south of the equator; longitude is measured east/west of the prime meridian.
228 words, about 1 min10Radio Navigation
Radio Navigation tests VOR, DME, NDB, ILS, GNSS and area-navigation systems, including the interpretation of cockpit indications and the limitations of each aid. A VOR radial is a magnetic bearing from the station; the CDI shows the selected radial and TO/FROM sense.
231 words, about 1 min11Operational Procedures
Operational Procedures tests standard operating procedures, emergency handling, checklists and decision-making in abnormal and emergency situations. Memory items are performed immediately for time-critical emergencies; the written checklist follows.
223 words, about 1 min12Principles of Flight
Principles of Flight tests lift, drag, thrust, weight, stability, control and the effects of speed, angle of attack and load factor on aircraft behaviour. Lift increases with angle of attack up to the critical angle; beyond it the wing stalls.
255 words, about 1 min