So, you aspire to become a commercial pilot? Excellent choice! But before you take off to the clouds, master the core subjects of ground classes. Let’s dive into the detailed breakdown of the aviation subjects for CPL and help you clear the exam on the first attempt.
Wearing the white shirt of the Captain with golden stripes on the shoulder is the dream of thousands of aspiring pilots. But before you don the Captain’s uniform, you have to clear the critical step of becoming a pilot – Ground School.
The subjects in the CPL exam may feel like an unconquerable mountain of information. Air navigation, understanding weather, or calculating time zones may seem impossible to master. But before you start freaking out, sit back, relax, and read our guide.
Before you take control of the cockpit as a First Officer or Pilot in Command, mastering the theoretical foundation is essential. The CPL Ground Classes prepare you for the CPL examinations conducted by the DGCA.
You will learn how to operate aircraft, master reading complex weather charts, and how to navigate the sky even without GPS. The ground classes of the commercial pilot course teach you all.
Now, let’s dive into the subjects covered in the CPL training.
Pilots are responsible for ensuring flight safety. The subjects taught in ground classes for DGCA exams help interpret weather conditions, calculate aircraft position, communication, and many more.
Do pilots use Google Maps to stay on course? No, they don’t do that here! Aspiring pilots master Air Navigation to plan the flight path, determine aircraft position, and also correct the flight course considering any deviation due to wind. Also, you learn to calculate the fuel requirement to reach the destination in time.
The air meteorology subject for the CPL ground classes prepares you to improve your knowledge of weather, air pressure, and temperature. Gradually, you learn to understand how the weather impacts aircraft performance and use the weather forecast to plan a flight path.
It is one of the essential subjects of ground classes for DGCA exams. Becoming a pilot means you will have to follow the rules and regulations. These include DGCA rules and requirements for pilots, licensing and privileges of CPL, flight operational rules, etc.
In short, the subject teaches you the Rules of the Sky.
Like a good jockey knows the soul of his horse, a good pilot should also know how the aircraft works. During the CPL ground classes, you will learn about fundamental aerodynamics, jet and piston engines, aircraft systems and electrics. So, you know how the flying machine works and how you can control it.
The ‘Specific’ in the subject name means you will learn the technicalities of the specific aircraft you are training on. You will learn about its systems, components and how the aircraft performs.
The aircraft you will be training on might be a Cessna 172, a DA-42 or some other aircraft. Learning this subject by heart, you will be able to fly your training aircraft like a pro.
The most important part of the ground classes for DGCA exams is to learn how to communicate in standard aviation English when you become a pilot. In RTR, you learn to follow the international communication standards.
RTR teaches you to communicate with Air Traffic Controls (ATCs) and other aircraft using radio telephony equipment.
Are the subjects of CPL ground classes difficult to master? Not at all. Especially when our experts are with you. So, here is a distilled version of what our experts say to master the topics of ground classes:
Stay Consistent: Dedicate a few hours a day regularly to studying the subjects. At least 2-3 hours per day can do wonders to improve your grasp of the subjects.
Master the Concepts: It’s better not to memorise all the subjects blindly. Subjects like Meteorology and Navigation need a deep understanding of the topic.
Practice Mock Papers: During the ground classes for DGCA exams, you should also focus on practising mock papers. It will prepare you for the DGCA exams.
Attend Doubt-Clearing Sessions: Don’t sit for the exams with doubts about your subjects. Attend doubt-clearing sessions by the instructors and attend the exams with full preparation.
Just as trekking becomes easier when you know the path and challenges along the road, the exams for CPL become easier when you know about the subjects. Dedicate specific time to each subject to master them. Be consistent with your preparation and ace the exams.
For all the subjects, except RTR, the passing mark is 70%. For RTR, you will have to pass the written, practical and viva exams.
You can register for the exams online through the Pariksha DGCA portal. Visit the portal to enter your details, select your subjects, and pay the fees to complete registration.
Visit the official DGCA website and look for the ‘Examinations’ selection. Or, you can also visit the Pariksha portal and get the official notifications, exam dates and updated syllabus.