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Free UK CAA PPL(H) Aircraft General Knowledge Practice Questions

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Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the UK CAA PPL(H) Aircraft General Knowledge practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

  1. 1Which combination of loads must an aircraft airframe be designed to withstand?

    1. A.Aerodynamic forces together with the weight of fuel, crew and payload.Correct answer: A
    2. B.Aerodynamic forces together with fuel weight, but excluding occupant loads.
    3. C.Crew and payload weight, with aerodynamic forces carried outside the airframe.
    4. D.Fuel and occupant weight, with flight loads carried only by the engine mounts.

    Explanation: The FAA describes the airframe as designed to withstand "all aerodynamic forces, as well as the stresses imposed by the weight of the fuel, crew, and payload." Structural loading therefore combines flight forces and carried weight; omitting either class understates the required loading.

    Reference: FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge — Aircraft Construction — Chapter 3, Subcomponents, p. 3-8

  2. 2What happens to a Bourdon tube as the pressure admitted to it increases?

    1. A.It coils more tightly.
    2. B.It tends to straighten.Correct answer: B
    3. C.Its sealed end opens to release the pressure.
    4. D.Its pointer moves only if an electrical resistance changes.

    Explanation: The source states: "The higher the pressure of the fluid, the more the tube straightens." Movement of the sealed free end is transferred by linkage to the pointer. This is a mechanical pressure-sensing action.

    Reference: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook — Airframe, Volume 2 — Chapter 10, Pressure Measuring Instruments, Figure 10-9

  3. 3How does a semimonocoque fuselage carry structural loads?

    1. A.An unstressed covering encloses a frame that carries every flight load.
    2. B.A stressed skin works with reinforcing bulkheads, formers and stringers.Correct answer: B
    3. C.A stressed skin carries the loads without any reinforcing substructure.
    4. D.Internal fittings carry the loads while the skin supplies only weather protection.

    Explanation: The handbook says the substructure "reinforces the stressed skin by taking some of the bending stress from the fuselage." Semimonocoque construction shares structural work between skin and substructure, rather than treating the skin as merely a covering or the sole support.

    Reference: FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge — Aircraft Construction — Chapter 3, Semimonocoque, p. 3-9

  4. 4Which change is used by an electrical resistance thermometer to measure temperature?

    1. A.The bending of two bonded metals with different thermal expansion.
    2. B.The voltage generated between dissimilar-metal junctions.
    3. C.The pressure produced by expansion of vapour in a sealed bulb.
    4. D.The resistance of its temperature-sensitive metal element.Correct answer: D

    Explanation: The source states: "For most metals, electrical resistance changes as the temperature of the metal changes." A resistance thermometer uses that calibrated change. The other choices describe bimetallic, thermocouple and vapour-pressure sensing principles.

    Reference: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook — Airframe, Volume 2 — Chapter 10, Electrical Resistance Thermometer, p. 10-37

  5. 5In a fibre-reinforced composite fuselage panel, what is the main structural role of the fibres?

    1. A.They provide the paint finish while the resin carries most of the load.
    2. B.They keep moisture out while the core carries every applied load.
    3. C.They carry most of the load within the matrix that holds them together.Correct answer: C
    4. D.They serve as moulding aids and stop carrying load after the resin cures.

    Explanation: The handbook states that the matrix holds the fibres together, "but the fibers carry most of the load." The fibres are structural reinforcement; the matrix binds them and gives the cured component its shape.

    Reference: FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge — Aircraft Construction — Chapter 3, Composite Materials in Aircraft, p. 3-9

  6. 6In a float-operated electrical fuel-quantity system, how is changing fuel level converted into an indication?

    1. A.The float changes a resistor setting, altering current in the indicator circuit.Correct answer: A
    2. B.The float changes the engine-driven pump pressure in proportion to fuel level.
    3. C.The float varies capacitance between fixed tank probes.
    4. D.The float directly measures the rate of fuel flowing towards the engine.

    Explanation: The source states: "a float in the tank moves a connecting arm to the wiper on a variable resistor in the tank unit." Level moves the float and resistor wiper. Pump pressure and fuel flow are different quantities and need not track tank level.

    Reference: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook — Airframe, Volume 2 — Chapter 14, Fuel Quantity Indicating Systems, p. 14-38

  7. 7In a monocoque fuselage, which part carries most of the twisting and bending stresses?

    1. A.The external stressed skin of the fuselage.Correct answer: A
    2. B.An internal open framework beneath an unstressed skin.
    3. C.The cabin floor, independently of the surrounding shell.
    4. D.The local attachment brackets, independently of the skin.

    Explanation: For monocoque construction, the handbook explains that "most twisting and bending stresses are carried by the external skin rather than by an open framework". This makes the skin a primary load-carrying part, rather than simply a fairing around separate structure.

    Reference: FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge — Aircraft Construction — Chapter 3, Monocoque, p. 3-9

  8. 8What does an engine fuel-flow indicator principally show?

    1. A.The quantity of fuel currently remaining in the tanks.
    2. B.The total quantity of fuel burned since engine start.
    3. C.The rate at which the engine is using fuel.Correct answer: C
    4. D.The fuel pressure at the inlet to the metering unit.

    Explanation: The source states: "A fuel flowmeter indicates an engine’s fuel use in real time." The instantaneous consumption rate differs from remaining quantity, cumulative fuel used and fuel pressure.

    Reference: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook — Airframe, Volume 2 — Chapter 14, Fuel Flowmeters, p. 14-40

  9. 9A composite fuselage has manufacturer restrictions on repainting it in dark colours. What structural concern explains such restrictions?

    1. A.Dark pigments prevent the reinforcing fibres from sharing tensile loads.
    2. B.Dark coatings can increase heating and weaken the composite resin.Correct answer: B
    3. C.Dark finishes turn a cured thermoset resin back into an uncured liquid.
    4. D.Dark paint causes the cured reinforcing fibres to absorb engine vibration.

    Explanation: The handbook identifies "The potential for heat damage to the resin" and notes that composite aircraft can have recommendations on allowable paint colours. Dark surfaces can become hotter in sunlight, so a cosmetic change can affect material temperature limitations; the other options misdescribe the material behaviour.

    Reference: FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge — Aircraft Construction — Chapter 3, Disadvantages of Composites, p. 3-11

  10. 10In a synchro remote position-indicating system, what relationship should exist between transmitter and indicator rotor positions?

    1. A.The indicator must always point 90° ahead of the transmitter.
    2. B.The indicator mirrors the transmitter rotor position.Correct answer: B
    3. C.The indicator always rotates at engine speed regardless of transmitter position.
    4. D.The indicator always returns to zero whenever the transmitter stops moving.

    Explanation: The source states: "the position of the transmitter rotor is mirrored by the rotor in the indicator." This allows a remotely sensed component position to be displayed, including a steady position after motion stops.

    Reference: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook — Airframe, Volume 2 — Chapter 10, AC Synchro Systems

Exam Review

About UK CAA PPL(H) Aircraft General Knowledge

UK CAA PPL(H) Aircraft General Knowledge · GB

Key exam facts

Provider
UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) sets and administers the GA theoretical knowledge e-Exam; registered training organisations arrange on-demand sittings and CAA-authorised Ground Examiners supervise them.
Format
Written theoretical-knowledge examination on the CAA internet-based GA e-Exams system, supervised in person at the training organisation; remote video-supervised sittings are not permitted. Public pilot-specific procedures reviewed do not separately enumerate response-format categories.
Time limit
The examination-specific time limit is confirmed by the Ground Examiner before the examination (Standards Document 11, 9.1.17). A numerical duration for subject 020 PPL(H) is not stated in the public pilot-specific procedures and subject learning objectives reviewed. Confirm the allotted answering time with the training organisation; reporting and briefing are separate from it.
Passing score
75% pass mark, as specified for GA pilot e-Exams in Standards Document 11, 9.1.17(c).
Exam fee
GBP £14.28 per online PPL examination paper is payable to the CAA by the approved training school under ORS5 No.446, section 6.3, effective 1 April 2026 (version 1.2). This is the CAA charge to the school; the reviewed scheme does not set an all-in retail candidate fee. Confirm the total charged by the training organisation.

Topics covered

  • AIRFRAME AND SYSTEMS, ELECTRICS, POWERPLANT AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

    • System design, loads, stresses, maintenance
    • Loads and combination loadings applied to an aircraft’s structure
    • Airframe
    • Fuselage, doors, floor, wind-screen and windows
    • Design and constructions
    • Structural components and materials
    • Stresses
    • Structural limitations
    • Flight and control surfaces
    • Design and constructions
    • Structural components and materials
    • Stresses and aero elastic vibrations
    • Structural limitations
    • Hydraulics Hydromechanics: basic principles
    • Hydraulic systems
    • Hydraulic fluids: types and characteristics, limitations
    • System components: design, operation, degraded modes of operation, indications and warnings
    • Landing gear, wheels, tyres and brakes
    • Landing gear
    • Types and materials
    • Brakes
    • Types and materials
    • System components: design, operation, indications and warnings
    • Wheels and tyres
    • Types and operational limitations
    • Helicopter equipment
    • Flight controls
    • Mechanical or powered
    • Control systems and mechanical
    • System components: design, operation, indications and warnings, degraded modes of operation and jamming
    • Anti-icing systems
    • Types and operation (pitot and windshield)
    • Fuel system
    • Piston engine
    • System components: design, operation, degraded modes of operation, indications and warnings
    • Turbine engine
    • System components: design, operation, degraded modes of operation, indications and warnings
    • Electrics
    • Electrics: general and definitions
    • Direct current: voltage, current, resistance, conductivity, Ohm’s law, power and work
    • Alternating current: voltage, current, amplitude, phase, frequency and resistance
    • Circuits: series and parallel
    • Magnetic field: effects in an electrical circuit
    • Batteries
    • Types, characteristics and limitations
    • Battery chargers, characteristics and limitations
    • Static electricity: general
    • Basic principles
    • Static dischargers
    • Protection against interference
    • Lightning effects
    • Generation: production, distribution and use
    • DC generation: types, design, operation, degraded modes of operation, indications and warnings
    • AC generation: types, design, operation, degraded modes of operation, indications and warnings
    • Electric components
    • Basic elements: basic principles of switches, circuit- breakers and relays
    • Distribution
    • General: (a) bus bar, common earth and priority; (b) AC and DC comparison.
    • Piston engines
    • General
    • Types of internal combustion engine: basic principles and definitions
    • Engine: design, operation, components and materials
    • Fuel
    • Types, grades, characteristics and limitations
    • Alternate fuel: characteristics and limitations
    • Carburettor or injection system
    • Carburettor: design, operation, degraded modes of operation, indications and warnings
    • Injection: design, operation, degraded modes of operation, indications and warnings
    • Icing
    • Air cooling systems
    • Design, operation, degraded modes of operation, indications and warnings
    • Lubrication systems
    • Lubricants: types, characteristics and limitations
    • Design, operation, degraded modes of operation, indications and warnings
    • Ignition circuits
    • Design, operation, degraded modes of operation
    • Mixture
    • Definition, characteristic mixtures, control instruments, associated control levers and indications
    • Performance and engine handling
    • Performance: influence of engine parameters, influence of atmospheric conditions, limitations and power augmentation systems
    • Engine handling: power and mixture settings during various flight phases and operational limitations
    • Turbine engines
    • Definitions
    • Coupled turbine engine: design, operation, components and materials
    • Free turbine engine: design, operation, components and materials
    • Fuel
    • Types, characteristics and limitations
    • Main engine components
    • Compressor: (a) types, design, operation, components and materials; (b) stresses and limitations; (c) stall, surge and means of prevention.
    • Combustion chamber: (a) types, design, operation, components and materials; (b) stresses and limitations; (c) emission problems.
    • Turbine: (a) types, design, operation, components and materials; (b) stresses, creep and limitations.
    • Exhaust: (a) design, operation and materials; (b) noise reduction.
    • Fuel control units: types, operation and sensors
    • Helicopter air intake: different types, design, operation, materials and optional equipments
    • Additional components and systems
    • Helicopter additional components and systems: lubrication system, ignition circuit, starter, accessory gearbox, free wheel units: design, operation and components
    • Performance aspects
    • Torque, performance aspects, engine handling and limitations: (a) engine ratings; (b) engine performance and limitations; (c) engine handling.
    • Protection and detection systems
    • Fire detection systems
    • Operation and indications
    • Rotor design
    • Rotor heads
    • Main rotor
    • Types
    • Structural components and materials, stresses and structural limitations
    • Design and construction
    • Adjustment
    • Tail rotor
    • Types
    • Structural components and materials, stresses and structural limitations
    • Design and construction
    • Adjustment
    • Transmission
    • Main gear box
    • Different types, design, operation and limitations
    • Rotor brake
    • Different types, design, operation and limitations
    • Auxiliary systems
    • Drive shaft and associated installation
    • Intermediate and tail gear box
    • Different types, design, operation and limitations
    • Blades
    • Main rotor blade
    • Design and construction
    • Structural components and materials
    • Stresses
    • Structural limitations
    • Adjustment
    • Tip shape
    • Tail rotor blade
    • Design and construction
    • Structural components and materials
    • Stresses
    • Structural limitations
    • Adjustment

  • INSTRUMENTATION

    • Instrument and indication systems
    • Pressure gauge
    • Different types, design, operation, characteristics and accuracy
    • Temperature sensing
    • Different types, design, operation, characteristics and accuracy
    • Fuel gauge
    • Different types, design, operation, characteristics and accuracy
    • Flow meter
    • Different types, design, operation, characteristics and accuracy
    • Position transmitter
    • Different types, design, operation, characteristics and accuracy
    • Torque meter
    • Design, operation, characteristics and accuracy
    • Tachometer
    • Design, operation, characteristics and accuracy
    • Measurement of aerodynamic parameters
    • Pressure measurement
    • Static pressure, dynamic pressure, density and definitions
    • Design, operation, errors and accuracy
    • Temperature measurement: helicopter
    • Design, operation, errors and accuracy
    • Displays
    • Altimeter
    • Standard atmosphere
    • The different barometric references (QNH, QFE and 1013.25)
    • Height, indicated altitude, true altitude, pressure altitude and density altitude
    • Design, operation, errors and accuracy
    • Displays
    • Vertical speed indicator
    • Design, operation, errors and accuracy
    • Displays
    • Air speed indicator
    • The different speeds IAS, CAS, TAS: definition, usage and relationships
    • Design, operation, errors and accuracy
    • Displays
    • Magnetism: direct reading compass — Earth magnetic field
    • Direct reading compass
    • Design, operation, data processing, accuracy and deviation
    • Turning and acceleration errors
    • Gyroscopic instruments
    • Gyroscope: basic principles
    • Definitions and design
    • Fundamental properties
    • Drifts
    • Turn and bank indicator
    • Design, operation and errors
    • Attitude indicator
    • Design, operation, errors and accuracy
    • Directional gyroscope
    • Design, operation, errors and accuracy
    • Communication systems
    • Transmission modes: VHF, HF and SATCOM
    • Principles, bandwidth, operational limitations and use
    • Voice communication
    • Definitions, general and applications
    • Alerting systems and proximity systems
    • Flight warning systems
    • Design, operation, indications and alarms
    • Radio-altimeter
    • Design, operation, errors, accuracy and indications
    • Rotor or engine over speed alert system
    • Design, operation, displays and alarms
    • Integrated instruments: electronic displays
    • Display units
    • Design, different technologies and limitations

How to prepare

Work through the topics, read the explanation after each answer, and revisit the areas where you miss questions. Use the official outline and reference materials below to guide your study.

These independent practice questions are not actual exam items and do not guarantee a passing result.

Frequently asked questions

What is the exam format?

Written theoretical-knowledge examination on the CAA internet-based GA e-Exams system, supervised in person at the training organisation; remote video-supervised sittings are not permitted. Public pilot-specific procedures reviewed do not separately enumerate response-format categories.

How long is the exam?

The examination-specific time limit is confirmed by the Ground Examiner before the examination (Standards Document 11, 9.1.17). A numerical duration for subject 020 PPL(H) is not stated in the public pilot-specific procedures and subject learning objectives reviewed. Confirm the allotted answering time with the training organisation; reporting and briefing are separate from it.

What is the passing score?

75% pass mark, as specified for GA pilot e-Exams in Standards Document 11, 9.1.17(c).

How much does the exam cost?

GBP £14.28 per online PPL examination paper is payable to the CAA by the approved training school under ORS5 No.446, section 6.3, effective 1 April 2026 (version 1.2). This is the CAA charge to the school; the reviewed scheme does not set an all-in retail candidate fee. Confirm the total charged by the training organisation.

Official sources and references

Confirm current exam arrangements with the exam provider.