---
title: "FCL.215 Theoretical knowledge examination — Part-FCL · Avioverse"
description: "Applicants for a PPL or a GPL shall demonstrate a level of theoretical knowledge appropriate to the privileges granted through examinations in the…"
url: "https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/aircrew/part-fcl/subpart-c/fcl-215"
---

# FCL.215 Theoretical knowledge examination

ANNEX I (Part-FCL) · Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 · EAR revision 16 Oct 2026

Official sources: [EASA Easy Access Rules (opens in a new tab)](https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/easy-access-rules/easy-access-rules-aircrew) · [EUR-Lex 2011/1178 (opens in a new tab)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32011R1178)

IR Implementing rule

## FCL.215 Theoretical knowledge examination

Applicants for a PPL or a GPL shall demonstrate a level of theoretical knowledge appropriate to the privileges granted through examinations in the following subjects:

(a) common subjects:

Air law, Human performance, Meteorology, Communications, and Navigation.

(b) specific subjects concerning the different [aircraft](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aircraft) categories:

Principles of flight, Operational procedures, Flight performance and planning, and Aircraft general knowledge.

IR · FCL.215 — Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 · Regulation (EU) 2025/134 · Aircrew Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 16 Oct 2026

AMC Acceptable means of compliance

## AMC1 FCL.215; FCL.235

THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE EXAMINATION AND [SKILL TEST](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/skill-test) FOR THE PPL

(a) Theoretical knowledge examination

(1) The examinations should comprise a total of 120 multiple-choice questions covering all the subjects.

(2) Communication practical classroom testing may be conducted.

(3) The period of 18 months mentioned in FCL.025(b)(2) should be counted from the end of the calendar month when the [applicant](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/applicant) first attempted an examination.

(b) Skill test

Further training may be required following any failed skill test or part thereof. There should be no limit to the number of skill tests that may be attempted.

(c) Conduct of the test

(1) If the applicant chooses to terminate a skill test for reasons considered inadequate by the FE, the applicant should retake the entire skill test. If the test is terminated for reasons considered adequate by the FE, only those sections not completed should be tested in a further flight.

(2) Any manoeuvre or procedure of the test may be repeated once by the applicant. The FE may stop the test at any stage if it is considered that the applicant’s demonstration of flying skill requires a complete retest.

(3) An applicant should be required to fly the [aircraft](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aircraft) from a position where the PIC functions can be performed and to carry out the test as if there is no other crew member. Responsibility for the flight should be allocated in accordance with national regulations.

AMC · AMC1 FCL.215 — Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 · ED Decision 2011/016/R · Aircrew Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 16 Oct 2026

[All rules in SUBPART C – PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL) AND GYROPLANE PILOT LICENCE (GPL)](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/aircrew/part-fcl/subpart-c)

Consolidated from the EASA Easy Access Rules (revision 16 Oct 2026, extracted 2 Nov 2026) for convenience. Not the official publication — verify against the Official Journal of the European Union and the EASA publications before operational use.