The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) prescribes a comprehensive syllabus for the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) examinations, covering subjects such as Air Navigation, Technical General, Air Regulations, and Aviation Meteorology. Below is an overview of the topics included in each subject:
1. Air Navigation
Basics of Navigation: Understanding the solar system, Earth’s geometry (great circles, small circles, rhumb lines), latitude and longitude, and time concepts (UTC, LMT, standard times, international dateline).
Magnetism and Compasses: Magnetic fields, variation and deviation, compass errors, and use of magnetic compasses.Charts and Publications: Types of aeronautical charts, chart projections, scales, symbols, and interpretation.
Dead Reckoning Navigation: Calculations involving track, heading, groundspeed, and estimated time of arrival.
In-Flight Navigation: Use of navigation aids, position fixing, and maintaining situational awareness.
Radio Navigation: Principles and operation of radio navigation aids like VOR, DME, NDB, and ILS.
Flight Planning: Preparation and interpretation of flight plans, fuel calculations, and alternate planning.
RNAV and GNSS: Understanding Area Navigation (RNAV) and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).
ICAO Documents: Knowledge of relevant International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) documents and procedures.
2. Technical General
Airframe and Systems: Aircraft structures, materials, flight controls, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Engines: Piston and jet engines, propellers, engine instruments, and performance.
Electrical Systems: Aircraft electrical power generation, distribution, and components.
Instruments: Flight and navigation instruments, their principles, errors, and limitations.
Weight and Balance: Calculations, center of gravity, and effects on aircraft performance.
Performance: Takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, and landing performance factors.
Flight Mechanics: Aerodynamics, stability, control, and aircraft handling characteristics.
Human Performance: Physiological and psychological factors affecting pilot performance.
3. Air Regulations
Definitions and Abbreviations: Standard aviation terminology and abbreviations.
International Organizations and Conventions: Roles of ICAO, IATA, and international aviation treaties.
National Law: Indian Aircraft Act and Rules, Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs).
Personnel Licensing: Requirements, privileges, and limitations of various pilot licenses.
Rules of the Air: General flight rules, right-of-way, and airspace classifications.
Air Traffic Services: Air traffic control procedures, flight information services, and alerting services.
Operational Procedures: Standard operating procedures, emergency procedures, and safety management.
Aerodrome Operations: Airport markings, lighting, and ground operations.
Security: Aviation security measures and protocols.
4. Aviation Meteorology
Atmosphere: Composition, structure, and properties of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Temperature and Pressure: Temperature variations, pressure systems, and their impact on flight.
Humidity and Precipitation: Humidity, dew point, cloud formation, and types of precipitation.
Wind: Wind formation, jet streams, local winds, and their effects on aviation.
Weather Systems: Fronts, cyclones, anticyclones, and associated weather patterns.
Turbulence: Causes of turbulence, types, and avoidance strategies.
Icing: Types of icing, conditions conducive to icing, and de-icing/anti-icing procedures.
Visibility: Factors affecting visibility, fog, mist, and haze.
Meteorological Services: Aviation weather reports, forecasts, and interpretation of meteorological information.
Climatology: Climate patterns and their relevance to aviation operations.