The Civil Aviation Authority introduced a new examination system for the PPL and LAPL called the "e-exams". This system is now used for aeroplane and helicopter exams.
Rather than the old paper based tests, the e-exams are computer based and bring a whole new question database. Each exam is randomly generated, rather than a set series of questions that were given before. To accompany this change, the CAA released a series of documents which outline the theoretical knowledge requirements for each subject. These are known as learning objectives.
Each learning objective is assigned a reference number (for example 021.02.01.01) and this is used in the e-exam system. Rather than telling the student specifically which question they answered incorrectly at the end of the test, the system gives a list of learning objective reference numbers and suggests that those areas are revised. This is known as the Knowledge Deficiency Report. The reason for this change is to prevent the correct answers from being inadvertently released.
Several students have mentioned that the learning objectives are difficult to find, so for your convenience you will find them here in PDF format:
In which order should I take the PPL exams?
Whilst is it not mandatory to take the exams in any particular order, we recommend the following:
Air Law
Operational Procedures
Human Performance
Aircraft General Knowledge
Principles of Flight
Meteorology
Navigation
Communications
Flight Performance and Planning
How many questions are in each PPL exam and how long do they take?
The exams contain 12-16 questions and are 20 to 50 minutes long. Specifically, they are as follows:
Air Law: 16 questions, 35 minutes
Operational Procedures: 12 questions, 30 minutes
Human Performance: 12 questions, 25 minutes
Aircraft General Knowledge: 16 questions, 35 minutes
Principles of Flight: 12 questions, 35 minutes
Meteorology: 16 questions, 50 minutes
Navigation: 12 questions, 45 minutes
Communications: 12 questions, 20 minutes
Flight Performance and Planning: 12 questions, 45 minutes
The candidate must achieve a score of 75% or more to pass the exam.
How should I prepare for the PPL exams?
You can study for the exams with QuizAero Bitesize. Our online ground school covers all of the theoretical knowledge requirements for the PPL and LAPL as listed above. In addition, we provide practice tests which contain highly realistic questions based on our experience with the new e-exams. Click here to view the options.
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