Pilots study a range of subjects and pass exams in each. A PPL pilot has to pass several, a commercial pilot taking ATPL exams has to take over 14 different very advanced theoretical subjects and exams. This module is designed to give students wanting to become pilots, or interested in the subject, a flavour of each of the main subject categories. The subjects covered include the following ATPC categories and content.

Content covered in the module by ATPL category:

1) Pilot licensing, PPL, CPL, IR, MEIR, FATPL, CAA, JAR and FAA requirements, aircraft type rating
2) Aircraft systems: electrics + powerplant - controls, oxygen, fuel, electrics, anti-icing, pressurisation, hydraulics.
3) Flight Planning and monitoring – for VFR, for IFR, flight plans, flight planning (Simbrief), fuel calculations and planning, climb, cruise and descent, in-flight rerouting, weather considerations.
4) Human Factors and limitations – general human factors, physiology, psychology, cognition, CRM, error spotting and handling, psychological issues leading to incorrect decisions.
5) Meteorology – atmosphere, ISA, wind, cloud and fog, precipitation, fronts, climatology, flight hazards, interpreting weather maps, flight planning. Decoding TAF, METAR etc.
6) Operational Procedures – general requirements, special operations and hazards.
7) Principles of Flight – lift and drag, stability, control, Centre of Gravity, Centre of Pressure, propellers, transonic effects, helicopter aerodynamics
8) Radio Communications – ATC terminology, procedures, weather terms, emergencies, VHF and HF communications and propagation, SELCAL, terminology, weather, ATIS information
9) Performance – calculating takeoff and landing distances, climb performance, top of climb point, fuel requirements, top of descent point, descent profiles. Cruise climb optimisation as fuel is burnt.
10) Navigation – basics, maps and magnetic effects, compasses, charts, dead reckoning, in-flight navigation, inertial navigation
11) Radio navigation - radio aids - NDB, VOR, ILS, GPS, DME. Radar, SSR, RNAV, RVSM, polar navigation
12) instrumentation 1 – air data, magnetic systems, INS and IRS, trim, yaw damper, autothrottle
13) Instrumentation 2 – Flight Management Computer, performance programming, electronic displays
14) Mass and Balance – loading, CoG calculations, CG position, mas and balance calculations, load sheet, cargo loading and handling.

This module will enable students to gain understanding, apply knowledge, analyse and evaluate problems and create solutions through a variety of activities, including:

• Lectures and simulator / tutorials / laboratories
• Independent study: reading, information gathering, student centred learning, assignment preparation and presentation

Borgen, C., (2014) Air Transport Pilot – Complete Notes, CreateSpace

Saul-Pooley, D., (2014) Air Pilot’s Manual 1 – Flying Training Pooley’s Air Pilot Pub.

Saul-Pooley, D., (2015) Air Pilot’s Manual 2 – Air Law and Metrology Pooley’s Air Pilot Pub.

Saul-Pooley, D., (2014) Air Pilot’s Manual 3 – Navigation Pooley’s Air Pilot Pub.

• Flight simulator for covering aspects of flying characteristics, flight procedures, propulsion system management and aircraft design.
• Classroom with computer projection facilities
• A visit to a professional flight simulator with the opportunity to pay to fly

1. Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of each of the range of subject areas that are studied as part of an ATPL qualification. (AHEP 3: P1, P4 )

2. Demonstrate the independent learning ability required to advance knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level for continuing professional development by researching areas such as meteorology, air law, human factors and fuel planning. (AHEP 3: D2, D3b, EL1, EL6, P1, P4, P5, P6, G1)

3. Demonstrate a critical awareness and evaluation of current licensing requirements for pilots at all levels of the profession. (AHEP 3: D2, EL1, EL6, P5, P6)

4. Communicate conclusions clearly in written form to specialist and non-specialist audiences. (AHEP 3: G1)

A 3,000-word approximately, an assignment weighted at 100% consisting of technical report determining solutions to a series of scenarios related to the various subject heading for the ATPL theoretical exams, such as decoding a TAF, explaining a weather map, indication correct ATC terminology, fuel calculations, and navigation procedures. LO 1, 2, 3 and 4. Meeting AHEP 3 Outcomes D2, D3b, EL1, El6, P1, P4, P5, P6, G1.

Formative guidance and feedback will be provided in tutorial sessions within the class.