Overview: Nine Subjects, One Goal
For the PPL(A) — the private pilot licence for aeroplanes under EASA Part-FCL — you must pass nine theory exams at the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) in Germany. The exam is normally taken computer-based (CBT) at approved examination centres. All questions are drawn from the ECQB (European Central Question Bank) of EASA, which is updated on a regular basis.
The nine subjects are:
- Air Law
- Human Performance
- Meteorology
- Communications (VFR)
- Principles of Flight
- Operational Procedures
- Flight Performance and Planning
- Aircraft General Knowledge
- Navigation
Format: Multiple Choice with Four Answer Options
Every question is a multiple-choice question with four answer options, exactly one of which is correct. Incorrect answers carry no penalty — you should therefore answer every question, even if you have to guess.
The questions come directly from the ECQB pool. This means the style, wording and level of detail are standardised across all EASA member states. Anyone who studies with up-to-date ECQB-compliant questions will be well prepared for the tone of the exam.
Pass Mark: 75 Per Cent Per Subject
You must achieve at least 75 % in each individual subject. An average across all subjects is not sufficient — if you fall below 75 % in one subject, you must resit that subject. All other subjects that have already been passed retain their validity.
Number of Questions and Time Limits per Subject
The official requirements from the EASA Learning Objectives document specify the following question counts and time limits for PPL(A):
| Subject | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Air Law | 16 | 30 min |
| Human Performance | 12 | 20 min |
| Meteorology | 16 | 30 min |
| Communications | 12 | 20 min |
| Principles of Flight | 12 | 20 min |
| Operational Procedures | 12 | 20 min |
| Flight Performance & Planning | 18 | 50 min |
| Aircraft General Knowledge | 16 | 30 min |
| Navigation | 12 | 45 min |
In total that is 126 questions across all nine subjects and approximately 4 hours 25 minutes of pure examination time. The exact breakdown may vary depending on the examination session — the LBA communicates the final values in the examination invitation.
Procedure: Sessions and Attempts
You may distribute the nine subjects across up to four examination sittings. It is common to complete all subjects on one or two days, since the administrative effort otherwise adds up quickly.
Key deadlines under Part-FCL:
- From the first examination attempt you have 18 months to pass all nine subjects.
- A maximum of four attempts per subject are permitted.
- You may sit a maximum of six examination sittings in total.
- Once all subjects have been passed, the theory credit remains valid for 24 months — you must complete the practical test within this period.
If these deadlines or attempt limits are exceeded, all subjects must be taken again from scratch — including a new period of theoretical training.
Registration and Requirements
Before sitting the theory exam, you need a registration confirmation from your ATO or DTO. The flying school thereby confirms that you have completed the theoretical training course and have been recommended for the exam. Registration is carried out via the LBA portal. Fees are charged per subject — last known rates were in the low two-digit euro range per subject paper; current rates can be found in the LBA fee schedule (LuftKostV).
Tips for Exam Day
- ID document ready? A national identity card or passport is mandatory. Without a valid identity document you will not be admitted.
- Permitted aids for Navigation and Flight Performance: non-programmable calculator, navigation computer (e.g. CRP-1), plotter, ruler, dividers. Charts and performance tables are provided by the examination centre.
- Smartphones, smartwatches and personal notes are prohibited. Violations may result in disqualification.
- Time management: Roughly calculate the time available per question. In Air Law (30 min / 16 questions) you have about 110 seconds per question — more than enough if you know the material. In Navigation (45 min / 12 questions) it is the calculation tasks that consume time — start there with the chart and CRP tasks.
- Flag uncertain questions and return to them at the end. In the CBT system this is possible with a single click.
- Read each question twice. ECQB questions are often precisely worded; a "NOT" or "EXCEPT" can determine the correct answer.
- Sleep and breaks: If you are sitting several subjects in a row, plan in genuine breaks. Concentration over four hours is more demanding than the material itself.
After the Exam
Results are normally available immediately after the sitting or shortly afterwards from the LBA. Passed subjects are recorded in the examination report. Once all nine subjects have been passed, the LBA issues the theory credit certificate — a prerequisite for the practical test with an examiner (FE).
Anyone who studies in a structured way, understands the ECQB logic and does not let the examination conditions throw them off course will pass the PPL(A) theory without excessive effort. The 75 % pass mark is fair when the preparation is right.