E-learning basic course: General aircraft knowledge

E-learning basic course: General aircraft knowledge

The basic courses at Pilots First Academy have been developed to support flight students during their theoretical training and prepare them for the theoretical examination at the state aviation authorities in Germany to obtain their LAPL(A)/PPL(A) licenses. The courses cover the basic content and are based on the recommendations of the EASA syllabus. This enables effective preparation and follow-up of the theory lessons, online, at any time and from any location.

Our e-learning course General Aircraft Knowledge provides flight students with a concise overview of all the essential systems and components of a PPL(A) class powered aircraft. The focus is on understanding the underlying principles – from the structure of the airframe to control and landing gear mechanics, piston engines, propeller geometry, and fuel, oil, and electrical supply systems. In addition, pitot-static and gyroscopic instruments as well as modern display and monitoring technology are explained, their interpretation logic is discussed, and typical system limits, error patterns, and emergency indications are highlighted. Through practical examples, participants learn to confidently classify maintenance instructions, flight manual information, and operating limits, enabling them to competently assess aircraft technology—a key foundation for responsible and safe flying.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to professionally assess the essential systems and assemblies of a motorized aircraft: They will understand how the airframe, control system, landing gear, piston engine, and propeller work, as well as the fuel, oil, and electrical systems. They will be able to recognize typical fault patterns at an early stage and correctly interpret instrument readings. This enables them to avoid common operating and maintenance errors, make informed decisions in normal flight operations as well as in emergency situations, and thus ensure the technical readiness of the aircraft. Interactive test questions at the end of each module help participants to continuously monitor their own learning progress.

Product details:

The subject General Aircraft Knowledge has 8 modules:

1. Module: Loads on aircraft

• Loads & stresses
• Load factors

2.Module: Design and structure of small aircraft

• Design methods & materials
• Airframe
• Wings
• Tail
• Control surfaces

3. Module: Hydraulic systems and chassis

• Hydraulic systems 
• Chassis configuration 
• Chassis Chassis configuration – Tires & brakes

4. Module: De-icing systems

• Ice contamination and its impact on aircraft
• Anti-icing systems & de-icing systems

• System components of fuel systems 
• How fuel systems work 
• Problems associated with fuel systems 
• Monitoring instruments in the cockpit

6. Modul: Kolbenmotor 

• Basics – Piston engine
• Carburetor and direct injection
• Cooling of piston engines
• Lubrication systems
• Ignition system
• Mixture control
• Propeller
• Engine power

7.  Module: Electrical system

• Electrics: Fundamentals
• Batteries
• Static electricity
• Power generation
• Electrical components
• Power distribution

8. Modul: Instrumentierung 

• Instruments and displays
• Measurements of aerodynamic parameters
• Pressure instruments
• Gyroscopic instruments
• Communication systems & radio telephony
• Warning systems
• Integrated instruments

The course duration is approximately 12 hours. Access to the course is limited to 12 months. Advantages of Pilots First Academy online courses:

• The course material is written in easy-to-understand language.
• Numerous images, graphics, and animations aid comprehension. 
• Interactive features such as quizzes and exercises reinforce what has been learned.
• Available online at any time via a current browser. 
• Users can learn at their own pace.

All Pilots First Academy courses use digital learning content to ensure variety and enjoyment. Additional visualisation helps the brain to remember what has been learned.  The content of the e-learning courses is based on the exam topics and has been developed by experts in their field in collaboration with flight instructors. The aim of each course is to ensure that the content and context are understood so that exam questions can be answered correctly.  The course “Flight plan – planning and executing VFR flights safely” (course language: German) is available free of charge to all participants in their learning environment.