ATPL Theory Exams: Complete Guide to the 14 EASA ATPL Subjects

The EASA ATPL theoretical knowledge examinations consist of 14 separate computer-based tests covering the full range of aeronautical knowledge required for professional pilots. With a total of 906 questions, spanning topics from air law and meteorology to aircraft systems and performance, these exams are a substantial intellectual challenge that typically requires 9–18 months of focused study.

This guide outlines the overall framework of the exams, then walks through each subject, its content, level of difficulty and how you can approach it strategically.

Introduction to ATPL Theory

Why Theory Matters

The ATPL theory exams are a core regulatory requirement on the path to your EASA ATPL. You must pass all 14 subjects, each with a minimum score of 75%, and there is no averaging: every single exam needs to meet the pass mark.

Beyond the regulation itself, the knowledge you gain forms the foundation of safe, professional operation. A solid grasp of theory helps you understand why procedures and limitations exist, not just how to follow them. This understanding feeds directly into decision-making, situational awareness and your ability to explain technical topics in airline interviews and line checks.

Many airlines look at your exam record as an indicator of discipline and consistency. Strong scores, particularly on the more demanding subjects, and a clean record of first-time passes can be a positive signal in a competitive job market.

Examination Framework

The examinations are governed by EASA Part-FCL and are standardised across EASA member states. They draw from a common, centrally managed question database that is regularly updated.

All exams are delivered as computer-based tests, usually in approved testing centres (such as Prometric). Every question is multiple choice. Once you complete a paper, you see your result immediately, and official confirmation follows via your national authority or training organisation.

From the date of your first exam attempt, you have 36 months to pass all 14 subjects. Each subject may be attempted up to four times within this window. After you pass all exams, the theoretical credit remains valid for seven years, during which you must complete the remaining steps toward your licence. In special circumstances (e.g. serious illness, military service), extensions may be granted by your authority on a case-by-case basis.

The 14 ATPL Subjects

Subject-by-Subject Overview

010 – Air Law

Air Law introduces the regulatory framework of aviation. You learn how ICAO Standards, the Chicago Convention, ICAO Annexes and EASA regulations interact, and how they govern licensing, operational requirements, rules of the air and air traffic services. The exam includes 44 questions in two hours and is strongly fact-based, with many specific numbers, validity periods and definitions.

The subject is generally rated as medium difficulty. The challenge lies less in conceptual complexity and more in volume and detail. Flashcards for Annex numbers, licence validity periods and operating minima are very useful, but you should always connect the numbers to the underlying logic instead of memorising them in isolation. Common problems include confusing similar rules, mixing up Annexes, or relying on outdated material, so make sure your sources reflect current regulation.

021 – Aircraft General Knowledge (Airframe/Systems/Powerplant)

AGK (Airframe, Systems, Powerplant) is one of the largest and most technical exams. It covers aircraft structures, control systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, landing gear, fuel, electrics, ice protection, fire protection, oxygen, pressurisation and both piston and turbine engines. The paper has 60 questions in 2 hours 15 minutes and is widely regarded as one of the harder subjects.

Success in 021 depends on understanding how systems work, not just recognising diagrams. You should be able to follow the flow through a hydraulic or fuel system, know what happens in case of failures and understand how systems interact. Diagrams are critical: redrawing them in simplified form helps fix them in memory. Many students underestimate the depth of engine knowledge required or treat systems as isolated blocks instead of seeing the connections between them.

022 – Instrumentation

Instrumentation focuses on how your aircraft instruments work and how they can fail. Topics include pitot–static instruments, gyroscopic instruments, the magnetic compass, engine instruments, as well as modern electronic systems such as EFIS, FMS and integrated displays. The exam consists of 40 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes.

The difficulty of 022 is often described as medium to medium–hard. Traditional mechanical instruments require a clear understanding of the physics behind them and the different error sources (pressure, temperature, instrument and installation errors). Modern EFIS and FMS questions check whether you understand system architecture, failure modes and how information is presented. Many errors in this exam come from mixing up error types or not fully grasping gyroscopic behaviour and instrument limitations.

031 – Mass & Balance

Mass & Balance is a relatively compact but very practical calculation subject. You learn the key mass definitions (such as BEM, MTOM, MLM, MZFM), and how to calculate the centre of gravity and verify that the aircraft is within weight and balance limits. The exam has 25 questions in one hour.

The content is manageable, but accuracy and speed are essential. With practice, the calculations become routine: reading tables, applying basic formulae and plotting on loading diagrams. Most problems come from unit confusion (kg vs lb), arithmetic mistakes or rushing without a final sense check. If an answer looks obviously unrealistic, it usually is.

032 – Performance

Performance deals with how aircraft performance changes with weight, altitude, temperature and configuration, focusing mainly on smaller or non-Class A aircraft. The subject covers take-off and landing performance, climb, cruise and descent, and the use of performance graphs and tables. You will answer 50 questions in two hours.

This exam is considered hard because it combines performance theory, procedural knowledge and repetitive graph work under time pressure. You must be comfortable reading charts accurately, applying corrections in the correct order, and verifying that your result makes sense. Many candidates lose marks by misreading graphs, skipping a factor, or mismanaging time. A systematic, step-by-step method for each chart is the key to consistent performance.

033 – Flight Planning & Monitoring

Flight Planning & Monitoring integrates many elements from other subjects, including navigation, performance, meteorology and operational procedures. You plan IFR routes, calculate fuel requirements, interpret ATS flight plans, select alternates, and consider diversions, NOTAMs and weather minima. The exam has 45 questions in two hours.

This is a demanding subject because it moves beyond isolated calculations into realistic operational scenarios. To succeed, you should be comfortable with fuel planning, alternates, contingency fuel, and reading charts and documentation quickly. Students often struggle when they know individual formulas but haven’t practised full scenario planning from start to finish. Practising complete example flights is extremely helpful here.

034 – Performance (Class A Aircraft)

Performance Class A takes the performance concepts from 032 and applies them to large turbine aircraft operating under Class A rules. It covers regulatory requirements, balanced field length, all-engine and one-engine-inoperative performance, climb segments, landing performance and associated graphs. There are 60 questions in 2 hours 15 minutes, and this exam is generally seen as one of the most challenging in the entire syllabus.

A strong foundation in 032 is essential before attempting 034. You must understand not only how to read charts, but also why regulations specify certain margins and safety factors. The complexity lies in combining regulatory rules with detailed calculations, often with multiple steps and conditional logic. Time management is critical; many candidates simply run out of time. A slow, methodical approach in practice, followed by speed-building, is the most reliable path.

040 – Human Performance & Limitations

Human Performance examines how human physiology and psychology influence pilot performance. It covers topics such as hypoxia, decompression, spatial disorientation, stress, fatigue, decision-making, Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Threat and Error Management (TEM). The exam contains 48 questions in 1 hour 45 minutes.

This subject is often perceived as easier than the major technical papers, but that perception can lead to complacency. Most of the content is logical and relatable, yet there are nuances and terminology that must be understood, not guessed. The best preparation is careful reading, linking the content to real cockpit behaviour, and question practice to familiarise yourself with typical wording and traps.

050 – Meteorology

Meteorology covers the physics of the atmosphere and how it affects flight. You learn about temperature, pressure and density, wind systems, cloud formation, fronts, air masses, depressions and anticyclones, thunderstorms, icing, turbulence, tropical weather, climatology and aviation weather products such as METARs, TAFs and SIGMETs. The exam has 54 questions in two hours.

Met is a medium–hard subject because of its breadth and the need for genuine understanding. You must be able to interpret weather charts, identify hazards and connect theory (for example, stability or adiabatic processes) to practical weather phenomena. Many students struggle with cloud types, chart interpretation or seeing the “big picture” of how systems evolve. Building a solid conceptual model of the atmosphere and then layering on specific details is more effective than trying to memorise everything in isolation.

061 – General Navigation

General Navigation deals with the geometry of the Earth, direction, distance, speed, time and position-keeping. You work with latitude and longitude, magnetic variation and deviation, the triangle of velocities, rhumb lines and great circles, and various chart projections. The paper contains 48 questions in 1 hour 45 minutes.

The main challenge is the volume of calculations and the need to be systematic. Once you understand the underlying principles, most tasks are repetitive: set up the triangle, apply the formulas, and keep track of units and signs. Mistakes often stem from small arithmetic errors, confusion between different time references, or misreading charts. Regular practice using the navigation computer and charts is essential.

062 – Radio Navigation

Radio Navigation focuses on navigation aids and avionics technology. You study radio wave propagation, NDB/ADF, VOR, DME, ILS, GNSS/GPS, RNAV, RNP, radar systems, radio altimeters and weather radar. The exam has 40 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes.

It is rated as medium–hard due to the technical nature of the systems and the need to understand both “classic” aids and modern satellite-based navigation. Typical difficulties arise from mixing up characteristics of different systems, not understanding limitations and error sources, or having an outdated view of GNSS and RNAV. Clear mental models of each system and their operational use make this subject much more manageable.

070 – Operational Procedures

Operational Procedures translates regulations and theory into the practical day-to-day operation of commercial flights. It includes preflight preparation, SIDs, STARs and approach procedures, low-visibility operations, emergency procedures, ETOPS, dangerous goods and security topics. You answer 60 questions in 2 hours 15 minutes.

While categorised as medium difficulty, the subject is quite broad. It requires a solid understanding of regulatory frameworks, operational logic and how procedures are applied in practice. Many questions are scenario-based. Students who approach this subject purely by memorising lists of rules tend to struggle; it is more effective to understand why procedures exist and how they protect safety margins.

081 – Principles of Flight

Principles of Flight covers aerodynamics and flight mechanics, from basic airflow and lift to high-speed effects and stability. Topics include lift and drag, boundary layers, stall, control effectiveness, static and dynamic stability, Mach effects, shock waves, and propeller fundamentals. The exam has 60 questions in 2 hours 15 minutes and is firmly in the “hard” category.

A sound grasp of physics is a considerable advantage. You need to understand not only qualitative relationships (for example, what increases drag) but also be able to handle the basic formulas. Many difficulties come from trying to memorise aerodynamic statements without visualising the airflows and force balances. Diagrams, sketches and step-by-step reasoning through different flight regimes are essential tools.

091/092 – Communications (VFR & IFR)

Communications deals with standard radiotelephony procedures and phraseology, both under VFR and IFR. It covers the structure of messages, callsigns, clearances, readbacks, position reports, emergency and urgency calls and communication failure procedures. The exam has 24 questions in one hour and is generally considered one of the easier subjects.

Because the content is highly procedural, consistent exposure to standard ICAO phraseology is the key. Listening exercises, example transcripts and regular practice with typical scenarios help you internalise the patterns. The main risks are overconfidence and the use of non-standard phraseology, which can lead to subtle traps in the exam questions.

Study Planning

Recommended Study Order

A sensible sequence can make your life easier by building foundations before more complex subjects. One possible order is:

• Begin with General Navigation (061) and Human Performance (040) to establish basics and gain early successes. Add Communications (091/092) as a short confidence booster.
• Move into Meteorology (050) and Principles of Flight (081), then follow with Instrumentation (022) and Aircraft General Knowledge (021) so that system and instrument knowledge build logically.
• Tackle Mass & Balance (031) before Performance (032), then proceed to Performance Class A (034) and Flight Planning (033) once you are comfortable with calculations and performance theory.
• Finish with Air Law (010) and Operational Procedures (070), where a broader understanding of operations helps make the regulations more meaningful.

Study Hours and Timeline

The total study time for all 14 subjects typically falls between 1,500 and 2,000 hours, depending on your background, learning speed and how efficiently you work. Large, technical and performance-based subjects such as 021, 032, 034 and 081 generally demand the most time; shorter and more focused subjects like 031, 040 and 091/092 usually require less.

For full-time students, a 9–12 month schedule with 40–50 hours of study per week is realistic. Part-time students, who combine training with work or other commitments, often plan 12–18 months at 15–25 hours per week. Distance-learning candidates may take longer due to the need for self-organisation, but the basic workload remains similar.

Whatever your situation, it helps to:

• break the overall path into subject-sized blocks,
• assign realistic hours per subject,
• schedule mock exams before official exam bookings, and
• leave some buffer for subjects that prove harder than expected.

Exam Booking and Procedure

You usually register and book your exams through your national aviation authority or via your flight school. The process typically involves creating an account in the official exam system, selecting the subjects you want to sit, choosing a testing centre and date, and paying the fee.

On exam day, you should arrive early with valid ID and your confirmation. Personal items are stored in lockers; calculators and scratch paper are provided in the exam room. During the exam, take time to read questions carefully, use the full time available and review any flagged questions before submitting.

Results appear immediately on screen, showing your percentage and pass/fail status. Detailed breakdowns are not normally provided, so it is useful to note for yourself which areas felt weak, while the exam is still fresh in your memory.

Validity, Retakes and Time Limits

From the first exam you sit, the 36-month clock begins. All 14 exams must be passed within this period. If you exceed the window without completing the set, previously passed subjects expire and you would need to start again. This makes medium-term planning very important.

Each subject can be attempted up to four times within the 36 months. Failing a paper once is not unusual; failing repeatedly without changing your study approach is problematic. If you struggle with a particular exam, it is worth analysing your preparation honestly, increasing your study time, and possibly seeking additional instruction rather than simply rebooking quickly.

Once you have passed all exams, your theoretical credit is valid for seven years to complete the practical elements and obtain your licence. Extensions are possible only in justified cases and must be requested proactively from your authority.

Strategies for Success

The candidates who progress smoothly through ATPL theory tend to have a few things in common. They start early, build a realistic study plan, use quality materials, and combine conceptual learning with consistent question practice. They monitor their performance with mock exams and only book official exams once they are achieving stable results with a margin above 75%, often aiming for around 85% in mock papers.

During the study phase, active learning techniques make a big difference: summarising material in your own words, teaching concepts to others, drawing diagrams for systems and flows, and using spaced repetition for facts and figures. Question banks should be used to test understanding and reveal gaps rather than as a pure memorisation tool. For more detail on this part of your preparation, see the Question Database Guide ^[?].

In the exam room, calm, structured exam technique is just as important as knowledge. Read questions carefully, manage your time, answer every question (there is no penalty for wrong answers), and avoid changing answers unless you have a clear reason.

Conclusion

The 14 EASA ATPL theory exams are a demanding but manageable project. They require sustained effort over many months, but they also provide the theoretical foundation for the rest of your flying career. By understanding the structure of the system, knowing what each subject demands and planning your preparation carefully, you can move through the syllabus with confidence and complete all exams within the required 36-month window.

With a disciplined approach, good materials and a clear plan, the ATPL theory phase becomes not just an obstacle to clear, but a meaningful step toward your EASA ATPL license and a professional career in aviation.

Related Articles:

• ATPL Question Database Guide ^[?]
• ATPL Exam Strategy and Tips ^[?]
• EASA Licensing Process
• EASA Part-FCL Regulations