Principles of Flight is a scientific PPL(A) subject covering all aspects of operating aircraft in a safe manner. It aims to ensure that pilots stay within the confines of the manufacturer’s guidelines for the given aircraft type.
Recommended Books
Principles Of Flight PPL(A) Overview
To be successful at this module students need to get their head around the scientific principles, experiments and engaging anecdotes that directly relate to flying. Theoretical and practical knowledge of the following is taught:
- Aerodynamics
- Load factor
- Stalling
- The four forces
- Flight controls
- Effects of weight
- Altitude & temperature for given aerial manoeuvres
- Stall and spin characteristics of typical light training aircraft.
Some areas of the course may be familiar to those who studied Physics — such as the principles behind wings generating ‘lift’. But the Principles of Flight module delves deeper into why aircraft have tail fins, tapered wings, and other design features. Students learn that the design of many of aircraft has come about through a mixture of science, experimentation — and improvement.
Compared to exams such as Navigation and Flight Performance & Planning, Principles of Flight is simpler. It’s not as straightforward as Communications or Human Performance & Limitations, though.
Examinations
The PPL Principles of Flight examination has 12 multiple choice questions which must be answered within a 35 minute time limit. The minimum pass mark is 75%.