100+ Free DGCA CPL Tech Specific Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: DGCA CPL Tech Specific Exam

100

Exam Questions

DGCA Pariksha

2 hours

Exam Time Limit

DGCA Pariksha

70%

Passing Score

DGCA Regulations

₹2,500

Standard Fee

DGCA 2026

180 HP

Engine Power (C172S)

Lycoming IO-360-L2A

53 gal

Usable Fuel Capacity

Cessna 172S POH

The DGCA CPL Technical Specific (Cessna 172) exam has 100 questions, a 2-hour time limit, and costs ₹2,500 per standard attempt. It requires a passing score of 70%. The exam covers aircraft systems, emergency checklists, V-speeds, weight & balance, and takeoff/landing/cruise calculations.

Sample DGCA CPL Tech Specific Practice Questions

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

1What is the official engine designation for the powerplant installed in the Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP?

A.Lycoming O-320-D2J

B.Lycoming IO-360-L2A

C.Continental IO-360-KB

D.Lycoming O-360-A4M

Explanation: The Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP is powered by the Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine. The 'I' denotes fuel-injected, 'O' denotes horizontally opposed, and '360' represents the displacement in cubic inches. This engine is naturally aspirated, direct-drive, air-cooled, and produces 180 horsepower at 2700 RPM.

2What is the maximum rated horsepower and corresponding engine RPM of the Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine in the Cessna 172S?

A.160 HP at 2700 RPM

B.180 HP at 2700 RPM

C.160 HP at 2400 RPM

D.180 HP at 2500 RPM

Explanation: The Cessna 172S is rated at 180 horsepower at a maximum engine speed of 2700 RPM. This is achieved through the fuel-injected Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine. In contrast, the Cessna 172R model is rated at 160 horsepower at 2400 RPM, although it uses a derated version of the same engine.

3What is the total fuel capacity and the usable fuel capacity of the Cessna 172S standard fuel tanks?

A.56 US gallons total, 53 US gallons usable

B.53 US gallons total, 50 US gallons usable

C.62 US gallons total, 56 US gallons usable

D.40 US gallons total, 38 US gallons usable

Explanation: The Cessna 172S has two fuel tanks, one in each wing, with a total capacity of 56 US gallons. However, due to fuel line design and tank geometry, 3 US gallons are unusable in normal flight attitudes, leaving 53 US gallons of usable fuel (26.5 US gallons per tank).

4Which type of propeller is installed on the Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP?

A.McCauley two-bladed constant-speed metal propeller

B.McCauley two-bladed fixed-pitch metal propeller

C.Hartzell three-bladed constant-speed composite propeller

D.Sensenich two-bladed fixed-pitch wooden propeller

Explanation: The Cessna 172S is equipped with a McCauley two-bladed, fixed-pitch, one-piece forged aluminum alloy propeller. The pitch of this propeller is fixed, meaning its blade angle cannot be adjusted by the pilot in flight, and thrust is controlled entirely by adjusting engine RPM.

5What is the minimum oil capacity required for flight, and the maximum sump capacity of the Cessna 172S engine?

A.4 quarts minimum, 6 quarts maximum

B.5 quarts minimum, 8 quarts maximum

C.6 quarts minimum, 9 quarts maximum

D.5 quarts minimum, 10 quarts maximum

Explanation: According to the Cessna 172S Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), the engine sump has a maximum capacity of 8 quarts of oil. The absolute minimum oil capacity required for safe operation is 5 quarts, though many flight training operators maintain a higher fleet minimum (e.g., 6 quarts) for safety and cooling.

6How is the Cessna 172S electrical system configured in terms of voltage and current rating?

A.14-volt DC system with a 60-amp alternator and 12-volt battery

B.28-volt DC system with a 60-amp alternator and 24-volt battery

C.28-volt DC system with an 80-amp alternator and 24-volt battery

D.115-volt AC system with a 28-volt DC transformer rectifier

Explanation: The Cessna 172S features a 28-volt direct current (DC) electrical system. It is powered by a 28-volt, 60-amp alternator and a 24-volt, 14-amp-hour main battery (lead-acid). The higher alternator voltage allows it to charge the 24V battery during normal operation.

7Which of the following describes the fuel flow sequence from the wing tanks to the engine cylinders in the Cessna 172S?

A.Wing tanks → Auxiliary fuel pump → Selector valve → Reservoir tank → Strainer → Engine-driven pump → Fuel/air control unit → Fuel manifold → Cylinders

B.Wing tanks → Selector valve → Reservoir tank → Auxiliary fuel pump → Fuel shutoff valve → Strainer → Engine-driven pump → Fuel/air control unit → Fuel manifold → Cylinders

C.Wing tanks → Fuel shutoff valve → Auxiliary fuel pump → Selector valve → Strainer → Engine-driven pump → Cylinders

D.Wing tanks → Strainer → Selector valve → Engine-driven pump → Auxiliary fuel pump → Fuel/air control unit → Cylinders

Explanation: In the Cessna 172S, fuel flows by gravity from the wing tanks through the fuel selector valve to a fuel reservoir tank. From there, it passes through the auxiliary fuel pump, the fuel shutoff valve, the fuel strainer, and then to the engine-driven fuel pump. The engine-driven pump delivers fuel to the fuel/air control unit, which meters it to the fuel manifold (distribution valve) and out to the individual cylinder discharge nozzles.

8What is the primary function of the fuel reservoir tank in the Cessna 172S fuel system?

A.To store unusable fuel for maintenance drainage

B.To maintain a reserve of fuel for climbing maneuvers only

C.To hold a pool of fuel that prevents engine fuel starvation during slips, skids, or brief periods of altitude changes

D.To filter water and sediment before the fuel reaches the fuel selector valve

Explanation: The fuel reservoir tank, which has a capacity of about 1 gallon, is located below the cabin floor. Its main purpose is to maintain a constant, solid column of fuel to the engine-driven pump, preventing air bubbles and fuel starvation during slips, skids, or other flight attitudes where fuel might slosh away from wing tank outlets.

9Which grade of fuel is approved for use in the Cessna 172S engine, and what is its standard color?

A.100 (Green) and 100LL (Blue)

B.Jet A-1 (Straw/Clear) and 100LL (Blue)

C.80/87 (Red) and 100LL (Blue)

D.MOGAS (Yellow) only

Explanation: The Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine requires high-octane aviation gasoline. The approved fuels are 100LL (Low Lead), which is dyed blue, and 100 (Standard Grade), which is dyed green. Using lower grades or turbine fuel will damage the engine and cause power loss.

10What type of flaps are installed on the Cessna 172S, and how are they operated?

A.Fowler flaps, hydraulically operated

B.Single-slot flaps, electrically operated by a motor in the right wing

C.Plain flaps, manually operated by a cable and lever system

D.Split flaps, pneumatically operated

Explanation: The Cessna 172S is equipped with single-slot flaps. They are operated electrically by a flap motor driven by the aircraft's 28-volt DC electrical system. A flap selector switch on the instrument panel controls the flap setting to 0, 10, 20, or 30 degrees.

About the DGCA CPL Tech Specific Exam

The DGCA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Technical Specific exam is type-rated and tests your deep understanding of the specific training aircraft you operate, which for most flight trainees in India is the Cessna 172 Skyhawk. The exam tests systems knowledge (such as the Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine, electrical buses, fuel injection flow, propeller configuration), operating speeds (V-speeds), limitations (weights, baggage), emergency checklists (immediate action items), and performance chart calculations (density altitude, cruise power, takeoff/landing runs).

Assessment

100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

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

DGCA CPL Tech Specific Exam Content Outline

30%

Aircraft Systems & Instruments

Fuel-injected engine components, McCauley fixed-pitch propeller, 28V DC electrical buses and standby battery, landing gear, alternate static source effects, and pitot-static/gyroscopic instruments.

20%

V-Speeds & Operating Limitations

V-speeds (Vso, Vs, Vr, Vx, Vy, Vfe, Va, Vno, Vne, Vg), maximum weights, baggage compartment limits, g-force load factors, and differences between Normal and Utility categories.

20%

Performance & Flight Planning Calculations

Takeoff and landing distance charts, climb rates, wind corrections, crosswind component tables, density altitude formulas, and fuel consumption.

15%

Weight & Balance

Center of Gravity (CG) envelope boundaries, moment and index calculations, weight shift formulas, and stability/performance effects of forward vs aft CG.

15%

Emergency Checklists & Procedures

Engine failure flow (A-B-C), fire checklists (engine, electrical, cabin, wing), alternator failure/low-volts, spin recovery steps (P-A-R-E), and emergency gear/flaps issues.

How to Pass the DGCA CPL Tech Specific Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Time limit: 2 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 Tech Specific Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize all Cessna 172S V-speeds at maximum gross weight (Vso 40, Vs 48, Vx 62, Vy 74, Vg 68, Va 90-105, Vno 129, Vne 163).

2Understand the fuel flow path: from wing tanks, gravity flows to the selector valve, reservoir tank, electric auxiliary pump, shutoff valve, strainer, engine-driven pump, fuel/air control unit, manifold valve, and finally the cylinder nozzles.

3Know the electrical system details: 28V DC system, 60-amp alternator, 24V main battery, and standby battery (essential bus power for G1000 models).

4Be prepared to use the POH takeoff, landing, and climb charts under different temperature, pressure altitude, and wind conditions.

5Understand the aerodynamical and performance differences between forward and aft CG limits (e.g., forward CG increases stability and stall speed, while aft CG decreases stability and stall speed).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DGCA CPL Technical Specific exam?

The Technical Specific exam is a mandatory DGCA theory paper for the issue of a CPL. It is type-rated, meaning you take the exam for the specific aircraft you fly during training (such as the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Diamond DA40, or Tecnam P2008). It ensures you understand your aircraft's limitations, emergency checklists, performance charts, and mechanical systems.

How much is the exam fee and how is the slot booked?

The exam fee is ₹2,500 per attempt during regular quarterly sessions and ₹5,000 for On-Demand sessions. Slots are booked online via the DGCA Pariksha portal (https://pariksha.dgca.in/) using your DGCA computer number.

What is the passing score and format of the exam?

The passing score is 70% (70 marks out of 100). The exam is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2 hours. There is no negative marking.

Which Cessna 172 model is the exam based on?

While there are many Cessna 172 models, modern DGCA examinations focus heavily on the Cessna 172S (Skyhawk SP) or Cessna 172R, which are equipped with the fuel-injected Lycoming IO-360 engine and often have either analog instruments or the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit. Questions cover common aspects of these models, particularly limitations and calculations from the POH.

What are the common calculations on this exam?

You will face calculations for: (1) density altitude, (2) takeoff and landing ground roll / total distance over 50 ft obstacle, (3) rate of climb and time/fuel/distance to climb, (4) weight shift and CG placement, and (5) crosswind and headwind components using a wind grid chart.

What is the spin recovery procedure for the Cessna 172?

The Cessna 172 spin recovery follows the standard PARE checklist: Power to IDLE, Ailerons NEUTRAL, Rudder FULL OPPOSITE to the spin direction, and Elevator BRISKLY FORWARD to break the stall, then neutralize rudder and gently pull up when rotation stops.

100+ Free DGCA CPL Tech Specific Practice Questions

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