1. DGCA CPL (Commercial Pilot License) Syllabus
Candidates appearing for the CPL theory exams must study the following subjects:
A. Air Navigation
- Basic Principles of Navigation
- Map Reading and Chart Interpretation
- Dead Reckoning and Visual Navigation
- Flight Planning and Performance Calculations
- Instruments and Avionics
- GPS and RNAV Systems
- Altimetry and Pressure Settings
- Time, Speed, Distance, and Fuel Calculations
- Error Corrections and Flight Path Deviations
- Airborne Weather Radar and Avoidance Techniques
B. Air Regulations
- Indian Aircraft Act, 1934 & Aircraft Rules, 1937
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Regulations
- Air Traffic Services (ATS) Procedures
- Licensing & Medical Requirements
- Aircraft Registration & Maintenance Requirements
- Operational Regulations for Private & Commercial Operators
- Radio Telephony and Communication Procedures
- Controlled & Uncontrolled Airspace Regulations
C. Meteorology
- Atmospheric Structure & Composition
- Temperature, Pressure, and Density Concepts
- Wind Systems, Cyclones, and Jet Streams
- Cloud Formations & Types
- Weather Reports & Aviation Weather Codes (METAR, TAF, SIGMET)
- Thunderstorms, Turbulence, and Icing
- Monsoons and Indian Weather Patterns
- Frontal Weather & Fog Formation
- Use of Weather Charts and Satellite Imagery
D. Technical General
- Principles of Flight & Aerodynamics
- Aircraft Engines (Piston & Jet)
- Electrical & Hydraulic Systems
- Fuel Systems & Fire Protection
- Aircraft Instruments and Avionics
- Landing Gear & Brake Systems
- Airframe Structures & Materials
- Aircraft Maintenance & Servicing
- Weight & Balance Calculations
- Flight Performance & Limitations
E. Technical Specific
- Aircraft-Specific Knowledge (Type of Aircraft used in Training)
- Engine Type & Performance
- Cockpit Instruments & Layout
- Emergency Procedures
- Limitations & Operational Procedures
F. RTR (Aero) – Radio Telephony License (Conducted separately by WPC)
- Radio Procedures for Air-Ground Communication
- Phonetic Alphabet & Phraseology
- Emergency Communication Procedures
- Radio Equipment & Frequency Management
- Navigation Aids & ATC Coordination
2. DGCA ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) Syllabus
The ATPL syllabus includes more advanced topics required for airline captains.
A. Air Navigation (Advanced)
- Advanced Navigation Techniques
- Inertial Navigation System (INS)
- Flight Planning for Long Haul Flights
- High Altitude Navigation & Jet Streams
- ETOPS (Extended Operations) Planning
- RNP (Required Navigation Performance) & RNAV Procedures
- Errors in Airborne Navigation
- Holding & Instrument Approach Procedures
B. Air Regulations
- ICAO Annexes & Indian Regulations
- Operational Procedures for Airlines
- ATC Procedures & Flight Rules
- Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL)
- Emergency & Security Procedures
- Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
- International Flight Operations
C. Meteorology (Advanced)
- Jet Streams, Weather Radar Interpretation
- Complex Weather Phenomena & Forecasting
- Wind Shear, Wake Turbulence & Microbursts
- High-Altitude Weather Patterns
- Flight Operations in Icing Conditions
- Aviation Weather Hazards & Avoidance
D. Radio Aids & Instruments
- VOR, DME, ILS, GPS, and GNSS Systems
- Automatic Direction Finder (ADF)
- Radar Principles & Weather Radar Interpretation
- TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System)
- EGPWS (Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System)
- Cockpit Instrumentation & Automation
- CAT-II and CAT-III Approach Procedures
3. DGCA Exam Syllabus Highlights
✔ Covers Navigation, Meteorology, Air Regulations, and Technical Subjects
✔ CPL syllabus focuses on basic flight training knowledge
✔ ATPL syllabus is more advanced, preparing for airline operations
✔ RTR (Aero) Exam is a separate requirement for pilots
✔ DGCA follows ICAO standards for aviation safety and regulations