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100+ Free DGCA CPL Technical General Practice Questions

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Key Facts: DGCA CPL Technical General Exam

100

Official Exam Questions

DGCA CEO

70%

Minimum Passing Score

DGCA Rules

3 hours

Time Limit

DGCA Pariksha

₹2,500

Official Fee (INR)

eGCA Portal

5 years

Exam Credit Validity

DGCA Guidelines

Quarterly

Typical Exam Frequency

DGCA Pariksha

The DGCA CPL Technical General exam is a 3-hour computer-based test consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions. It costs ₹2,500 per attempt and has a passing score of 70% with no negative marking. The syllabus includes principles of flight, airframe structures, aircraft systems, piston and turbine engines, flight instruments, and weight & balance. It is administered by the DGCA, India.

Sample DGCA CPL Technical General Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your DGCA CPL Technical General exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1If the angle of attack of an airfoil is increased while maintaining constant airspeed, what happens to the lift and drag coefficients ($C_L$ and $C_D$)?
A.Both lift and drag coefficients increase until the critical angle of attack is reached, after which the lift coefficient drops sharply while drag continues to increase.
B.Lift coefficient increases and drag coefficient decreases because the airfoil becomes more efficient.
C.Lift coefficient decreases and drag coefficient increases due to turbulent airflow.
D.Both coefficients remain constant since the airspeed is unchanged.
Explanation: Increasing the angle of attack increases both lift and drag coefficients because the airfoil deflects air more aggressively, creating a larger pressure differential and higher parasite/induced drag. This trend continues until the critical angle of attack (typically 15°-18°) is reached, where the flow separates, causing the lift coefficient to stall (drop) and drag to rise dramatically.
2What is the primary cause of induced drag on an aircraft wing?
A.Skin friction between the air molecules and the wing surface.
B.The physical profile of the wing disturbing the air path.
C.Airflow pressure differential between the upper and lower surfaces spilling around the wingtips to form vortices.
D.Interference of the airflow at the junction of the wing and fuselage.
Explanation: Induced drag is an unavoidable byproduct of lift. High-pressure air from beneath the wing rolls over the wingtips to the low-pressure area on top, creating wingtip vortices that deflect the local airflow downward (downwash) and tilt the lift vector backward, creating a drag component.
3How does ground effect affect the aerodynamic performance of an aircraft during takeoff and landing?
A.It decreases lift and increases induced drag due to ground proximity.
B.It increases induced drag and decreases thrust required.
C.It reduces wingtip vortices, decreasing induced drag, which results in a reduction in thrust required to maintain altitude.
D.It increases parasite drag, requiring more power to keep the aircraft airborne.
Explanation: When an aircraft flies within one wingspan of the ground, the ground physically restricts the development of wingtip vortices and downwash. This reduces induced drag, making the wing more efficient and requiring less thrust to maintain altitude. It can cause the aircraft to 'float' during landing or become airborne prematurely before reaching safe climb speed during takeoff.
4An aircraft is flying at a constant airspeed. If the bank angle in a level turn is increased from 30° to 60°, by what factor does the load factor ($n$) increase?
A.1.15 times
B.1.73 times
C.2.00 times
D.1.50 times
Explanation: The load factor ($n$) in a constant-altitude turn is calculated using $n = 1 / \cos(\theta)$, where $\theta$ is the bank angle. At 30° bank, $n = 1 / \cos(30^\circ) \approx 1.155$ G. At 60° bank, $n = 1 / \cos(60^\circ) = 2.000$ G. The factor of increase is $2.000 / 1.155 \approx 1.73$ times.
5What is the significance of the Best Glide Speed ($V_{g}$) in terms of drag?
A.It is the speed at which parasite drag is at its absolute minimum.
B.It is the speed where total drag is at its minimum, which occurs where parasite drag and induced drag are equal ($L/D_{max}$).
C.It is the speed where induced drag is at its absolute minimum.
D.It is the speed at which lift coefficient is at its maximum value.
Explanation: The best glide speed corresponds to the maximum lift-to-drag ratio ($L/D_{max}$), which represents the point of minimum total drag. At this speed, parasite drag and induced drag are equal. Flying at $L/D_{max}$ allows the aircraft to cover the maximum horizontal distance for a given loss of altitude.
6What is the primary function of vortex generators installed on the upper surface of a wing?
A.To increase the cruise speed of the aircraft by reducing parasite drag.
B.To decrease the induced drag by reducing wingtip vortex strength.
C.To energize the boundary layer with turbulent air, delaying boundary layer separation and lowering the stall speed.
D.To provide lateral control at high speeds near the speed of sound.
Explanation: Vortex generators are small flat plates set at an angle to the airflow. They create tiny, energetic vortices that draw high-energy air from the free stream down into the slow-moving boundary layer. This extra kinetic energy helps the boundary layer remain attached to the wing surface at higher angles of attack, delaying stalls and improving control authority.
7How does an increase in aircraft weight affect the stall speed ($V_s$)?
A.Stall speed remains constant because it depends solely on the wing's airfoil shape.
B.Stall speed increases because a higher angle of attack is required to generate the lift needed to support the greater weight, reaching the critical angle at a higher airspeed.
C.Stall speed decreases because the heavier aircraft has more momentum to push through the air.
D.Stall speed decreases because the weight forces the boundary layer to remain attached.
Explanation: Stall speed is proportional to the square root of the aircraft weight ($V_{s2} = V_{s1} \sqrt{W_2 / W_1}$). A heavier aircraft must produce more lift to maintain level flight. To do so at a given speed, it must fly at a higher angle of attack, which means it will reach the critical stall angle of attack at a higher airspeed.
8Which type of flap design increases the wing surface area as well as camber when extended?
A.Split flap
B.Fowler flap
C.Plain flap
D.Slotted flap
Explanation: Fowler flaps slide backward on tracks before deflecting downward. This rearward movement increases the wing's surface area (chord line) while the downward deflection increases the wing camber, providing a substantial increase in lift with relatively less drag at initial settings.
9What is longitudinal stability, and which component of the aircraft primarily provides it?
A.Stability about the lateral axis (pitch stability), primarily provided by the horizontal stabilizer.
B.Stability about the longitudinal axis (roll stability), primarily provided by wing dihedral.
C.Stability about the vertical axis (yaw stability), primarily provided by the vertical stabilizer.
D.Stability during taxiing, primarily provided by the nosewheel steering system.
Explanation: Longitudinal stability is the stability of an aircraft about its lateral (pitching) axis. The horizontal stabilizer acts as an inverted wing generating a downward force, which counteracts the natural nose-down pitching moment of the wing's center of pressure and keeps the nose stable in pitch.
10What aerodynamic phenomenon occurs when a wing stalls?
A.The laminar boundary layer separates from the lower surface, causing a sudden loss of drag.
B.The angle of attack is decreased too much, causing lift to drop to zero.
C.The airflow separates from the upper surface of the wing, causing a rapid decrease in lift and a sharp increase in drag.
D.The wingtip vortices reverse direction, pulling the wing downward.
Explanation: A stall occurs when the wing is flown at an angle of attack greater than the critical angle of attack. At this point, the airflow can no longer smoothly follow the contour of the upper wing surface, separating and becoming turbulent. This destroys the low-pressure area on top of the wing, causing a sudden loss of lift and a large increase in form drag.

About the DGCA CPL Technical General Exam

The DGCA CPL Technical General exam is one of the most comprehensive theoretical tests required for the issuance of a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India. It evaluates a candidate's in-depth knowledge of aircraft construction, systems, powerplants, instruments, and performance. The exam covers basic aerodynamics, aircraft structures, landing gear, hydraulic and electrical systems, piston and gas turbine engines, pitot-static and gyroscopic flight instruments, and weight & balance calculations.

Assessment

The exam is a 100-question, 3-hour, computer-based test with multiple-choice questions administered by the Central Examination Organisation (CEO) of DGCA.

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

₹2,500 (Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India)

DGCA CPL Technical General Exam Content Outline

25%

Principles of Flight & Aerodynamics

Forces acting on an aircraft, lift/drag coefficients, lift-drag ratio, stall characteristics, wing loading, load factors, and stability.

20%

Airframes, Landing Gear & Aircraft Systems

Airframe structures, landing gear operations, hydraulic systems, DC/AC electrical distribution, fire protection, and environmental control systems.

25%

Piston & Gas Turbine Engines

Otto and Brayton cycles, fuel systems, carburation, superchargers, constant-speed propellers, turbine engine compressors, combustors, and turbine sections.

15%

Pitot-Static & Gyroscopic Flight Instruments

Altimeter, Airspeed Indicator, VSI, Attitude Indicator, Directional Gyro, Turn Coordinator, and system blockage/errors.

15%

Weight & Balance & Performance Calculations

CG calculations, load shift equations, adding/removing weight, climb gradient conversions, and performance limitations.

How to Pass the DGCA CPL Technical General Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: The exam is a 100-question, 3-hour, computer-based test with multiple-choice questions administered by the Central Examination Organisation (CEO) of DGCA.
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam fee: ₹2,500

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

DGCA CPL Technical General Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master aerodynamic equations, especially lift ($L = C_L \frac{1}{2} \rho V^2 S$) and load factor in turns ($n = 1/\cos\theta$).
2Understand the mechanics of both piston and turbine engines: trace the air path in a turbine and know the fuel-air mixtures under various piston operations.
3Practice CG shifting and weight addition/removal calculations using the formula: Change in CG = (Weight Shifted * Distance Shifted) / Total Weight.
4Study pitot-static blocks thoroughly. Memorize what happens to the Airspeed Indicator, Altimeter, and VSI when either the pitot tube, static port, or both are blocked.
5Understand electrical bus systems: split-bus vs parallel systems, battery emergency power, and inverter vs rectifier functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DGCA CPL Technical General exam?

The Technical General exam is a mandatory written test for commercial pilot licensing in India. It covers 'general' (non-type specific) technical knowledge about aircraft construction, design, powerplants, and instruments, ensuring the pilot understands the physical and technical systems of modern aircraft.

What is the passing score and how many questions are on the official exam?

The official exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions. The passing score is 70%, which means you must answer at least 70 questions correctly. There is no negative marking, and the time limit is 3 hours.

How long is the exam validity towards CPL issuance?

Once you pass the DGCA Technical General exam, the result is valid for 5 years. You must complete your flight training and obtain your CPL within this 5-year window, or you will have to rewrite the exam.

Are calculators allowed in the exam room?

Yes, basic scientific calculators are typically permitted, along with standard navigation computers (such as the manual E6B or mechanical flight computer). Electronic flight bags (EFBs) or programmable calculators with pre-stored aviation software are strictly prohibited.

What is the difference between Technical General and Technical Specific?

Technical General covers general aerodynamics, piston engines, gas turbine engines, and general airframe/systems that apply to all aircraft. Technical Specific is a type-specific exam focusing on the precise details and limitations of the specific aircraft you will fly for your checkride or rating (e.g., Cessna 172R, Piper Seneca IV, Multi-Engine aircraft).