Knowledge area
Theory of Flight
Principles of flight, components, forces, stability, aerofoils, propellers/rotors, wing design, flight controls (aeroplane/helicopter), multi-rotor dynamics and load factor.
The syllabus is not the same for every certification. Here is what each level expects of you in this area.
Basic
For basic certification
11 topics- Principles of flight: Bernoulli's principle, Newton's laws
- Parts and components: fixed wing, multi-rotor, helicopter
- Forces acting on an aircraft: lift, drag (induced and parasite), thrust, weight and equilibrium
- Stability: roll, pitch and yaw, inherent stability, CG effect
- Aerofoils: relative airflow and angle of attack, lift-to-drag ratio, stall
- Propellers and rotors: handling and care
- Wing design: planform, spoilers, flaps
- Aeroplane flight controls: axes and planes, control surfaces, trim
- Helicopter flight controls: cyclic, collective, tail rotor
- Multi-rotor dynamics: flight and torque, controls, settling with power, recirculation, dynamic rollover
- Load factor: turns, gust and turbulence loads, structural and power limits
Advanced
What advanced certification adds
Same as basicNothing more. This area is required identically at both levels: what you learn for basic carries over to advanced unchanged.
Mock exams mix all eight areas, just like the real exam.