DGCA Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) Exams
Syllabus-aligned DGCA ATPL theory preparation
Exam Specifications
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India
70% Correct Answers
4 to 6 Months Directed Study
3.0 hours per subject
100 questions in the configured Heading380 practice volume.
Multiple Choice Questions, Computer-Based Examinations (On-Demand / Quarterly)
Exam Overview
The DGCA ATPL theory exam spans 3 subjects — General Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, and Air Regulations — each 100 questions over 3 hours with a 70% cutoff. Passing all three is mandatory for an Indian Airline Transport Pilot License.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ATPL theory pathway covers advanced pilot knowledge across its published subject areas. Heading380 provides structured practice, calculation drills, and mock-exam workflows to help candidates study those areas.
The ATPL syllabus spans Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulations, and General Navigation (including Instruments & Radio Aids). General Navigation requires navigating around spherical geometry, complex scale conversions, and high-latitude charts.
High-yield focus: Advanced spherical calculations, grid-navigation tracks, and weather-chart interpretation are included as high-yield ATPL practice areas; no fixed official percentage weighting is asserted here.
Theoretical Subject Syllabus Blocks
General Navigation
Grid navigation, spherical coordinates, Great Circle and Rhumb line track corrections, and flight planning computer solutions.
Aviation Meteorology
Global weather models, jet streams, tropical meteorology, CAT (Clear Air Turbulence), and SIGMET charts interpretation.
Air Regulations
Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs), AICs, Aircraft Act 1934, rules of the air, and separation standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
QWhat is the passing cutoff for DGCA ATPL theory exams?
The minimum passing score is exactly 70% for each subject. You must clear all three core subjects to be eligible for command license issue.
QIs a flight computer required for the ATPL exams?
Yes. General Navigation is highly computational and requires either the ASA CX-3 electronic computer or the mechanical E6B slide rule.
QWhat is the validity of the DGCA ATPL theory results?
Passed ATPL exam results are valid for a period of 5 years from the date of passing to complete your multi-engine type rating requirements.
QHow does the DGCA ATPL theory examination differ from the CPL?
The DGCA ATPL builds on CPL theory subjects and adds advanced coverage of airline performance, multi-engine systems, high-altitude meteorology, and operational procedures at airline scale.
QHow many questions are in a typical DGCA ATPL mock paper on Heading380?
Full ATPL mock papers on Heading380 contain 60–100 questions per subject, with time limits matching DGCA examination structure. Multi-subject sessions are also available to test cross-topic readiness in a single sitting.
QDoes Heading380 include VIVA oral preparation for the DGCA ATPL?
Yes. The VIVA module presents oral-style practice questions based on ATPL syllabus topics, including procedures, system logic, and regulations. Sessions are self-assessed; the module should be treated as preparation practice, not as a reproduction of an official DGCA examiner's question set.
Simulator Practice Deck
Access Heading380's free on-line preparation suite. Master simulated cabin stressors and error logging indicators immediately.
Includes cadet features:
- Spaced Repetition Engine
- Custom Radar & METAR Weather
- ATA-Standards Telemetry Logs