1. The 13 Theoretical Knowledge Subjects (The Core Feature) The syllabus is divided into 13 mandatory subjects, grouped into three categories: | Category | Subjects | Key Focus Areas | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Base / Mass & Balance | 01. Air Law | ICAO, EASA regulations, R/T procedures, airspace classification. | | | 02. Aircraft General Knowledge | Airframe, systems (electrics, hydraulics, pressurization), engines (piston/turbine), APU. | | | 03. Flight Performance & Planning | Take-off, landing, en-route performance, fuel planning (ICAO/ISA), mass & balance calculations. | | | 04. Mass & Balance | (Often integrated with 03) Load sheets, moment, CG envelope. | | | 05. Human Performance & Limitations | Aviation psychology, physiology (hypoxia, vision), CRM, error management. | | | 06. Meteorology | Synoptic charts, fronts, thunderstorms, icing, jet streams, METAR/TAF/SIGMET. | | Navigation & Techniques | 07. General Navigation | Earth geometry, chart projections, time, compasses, INS/GNSS (GPS, Galileo). | | | 08. Radio Navigation | NDB, VOR, DME, ILS, MLS, FMS, RNAV, RNP principles. | | Advanced | 09. Operational Procedures | Low visibility, RVSM, ETOPS, MNPS, runway condition reports. | | | 10. Principles of Flight | Aerodynamics: lift/drag, transonic/supersonic flight, stall, high-lift devices. | | | 11. VFR Communications | Visual flight rules phraseology (often separate practical test). | | | 12. IFR Communications | Instrument flight rules phraseology, failure scenarios. | | | 13. Performance – Aeroplanes (Class A/B) | Specific to transport category aircraft: JAR 25 performance (V1, V2, Vmca). |
2. Examination Feature Set Question Bank & Format
Total questions: ~1,500–2,000 in the official EASA question bank (each NAA may add variations). Per exam: 16 to 55 questions depending on subject (e.g., Air Law: 40–45; Principles of Flight: 30–35). Type: Multiple-choice with 3 or 4 options – only one correct answer (no “all of the above”). Negative marking? No. But you must pass with 75% in each subject individually.
Testing Logic – The “Computer Adaptive Test” (CAT) Most NAAs (e.g., UK CAA, Austro Control, DGAC) use linear testing, but the feature is that questions are drawn from a fixed bank with a known difficulty mix: easa atpl theory
50% “knowledge recall” 30% “application” (calculate crosswind, fuel burn) 20% “analysis” (interpret a METAR + NOTAM + aircraft limitation)
Validity & Attempt Limits
Credit validity: 24 months from the date you pass the first subject until you pass the last subject (the “24-month rule”). Attempts per subject: Typically 4 attempts. After 4 failures, you need additional training (a “remediation” feature). | | | 02
3. Structural Feature: Modular vs. Integrated Training | Feature | Modular ATPL | Integrated ATPL | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Sit all 13 exams? | Yes, but you can split into “first 7” (frozen ATPL) then “last 6” later. | All 13 must be passed within 18 months of starting the course. | | Credit for CPL holders | You can convert CPL theory credits (e.g., exempt from POF, Met, Nav if passed at CPL level within 7 years). | No credit – start from zero. | | Exam scheduling | Self-paced; book each subject individually. | Fixed schedule set by ATO. | | MCC integration | Theory separate from MCC (Multi-Crew Cooperation). | Often includes MCC theory within the syllabus. |
4. Pass & Progression Features The “75% Flat Pass” Rule No scaling, no curve. You must achieve ≥75% in every single subject . Example: 89% in Air Law and 74% in Performance – fail . Retake only Performance. The “3 Consecutive Attempts” Feature If you fail the same subject 3 times, you must undergo additional theoretical instruction (5–10 hours logged by an instructor) before attempt 4. The “7 Year Window” for Older Pilots If you are a CPL holder or military pilot converting to ATPL, you may be exempt from certain subjects if passed within 7 years (EASA standard – some NAAs use 6).
5. Technological Feature – Approved CBT & Exam Software Most ATOs use specific Computer-Based Training (CBT) platforms that mirror the actual exam interface: | Feature | Description | | :--- | :--- | | On-screen calculator | Non-programmable, ISO standard (e.g., CX-3 emulator). | | Flight computer integration | Virtual E6-B or CR-3 wind side. | | Navigation plotter | On-screen ruler/protractor for chart questions. | | Highlighter & strike-through | Digital tools to mark incorrect options. | | Review later flag | Flag questions to return before final submit. | | Whiteboard | For en-route diversion calculations (exam center provides physical whiteboard or laminated sheet). | The “KSA” Breakdown (Knowledge
6. The “KSA” Breakdown (Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes) EASA ATPL theory is not just memorization. The questions are coded with Learning Objectives (LOs) from the EASA syllabus. Example:
LO 022 01 01 01 (Meteorology) – “Describe the formation of radiation fog” – Knowledge. LO 022 06 03 02 – “Given TAF and METAR, determine if ILS approach will be possible in 2 hours” – Application/Skill.