FAQs - Examinations


The exam questions are based on the ECQB (European Central Question Bank), which is developed by EASA. Since the ECQB is property of EASA and its contents are confidential, these questions may not be published. Neither EASA nor Austro Control cooperate with third parties regarding the publication of examination questions.
 
There are several textbooks that cover the material for each of the required exams, and these will be the centrepieces for your understanding of the topics. The books are published by a variety of publishers and your flight school will almost certainly have a preference as to which one you use, so it is worth speaking to them before investing in these books.

For more information on EASA's ECQB, see the following link: European Central Question Bank (ECQB) | EASA (europa.eu)
Crediting of theoretical knowledge is only possible for theoretical examinations to obtain a pilot's license based on Appendix 1 to Annex I Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011. Crediting of school or professional knowledge or knowledge from university studies is not provided for by law.
 
Overview of possible credits:
 
License appliedSubjects creditedBased onAddition
ATPL (A)090CPL (A)
IR (A)		 
ATPL (H)010, 082, 090CPL (H) 
ATPL (H) / IR082, 090CPL (H)(equivalent /
ATPL (A))
CPL (A)040, 050IR(not CB-IR, EIR/BIR)
CPL (A)090IR, EIR/BIR,
CB-IR		 
CPL (H)040, 050, 090IR 
IR (H)022 ATPL (H),
040, 050, 090		ARPL (H) / VFR 
IR (H)040, 050, 090CPL (H) 
IR (A)040, 050, 090CPL (A) 
BIR / EIR040, 050, 090CPL (A) 

The theoretical knowledge examinations for the issue of professional licenses and the instrument rating (ATPL, MPL, CPL, IR, CB-IR, BIR) are offered in English only. The theoretical knowledge examinations for PPL and LAPL (A+H) are available in German and English.
No, a passed exam cannot be repeated. An exam is considered passed if at least 75 % of the exam questions have been answered correctly.
The period begins at the end of the calendar month in which you first sat for an exam.
The successful completion of the theoretical knowledge examinations remains valid in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 Annex I FCL.025:
 
For the issuance of a commercial pilot license, an instrument rating (IR) or en-route instrument rating (EIR) for a period of 36 months from the date on which the pilot successfully passed the theoretical knowledge examination.

The completion of the theoretical knowledge examinations for the airline transport pilot license (ATPL) remains valid for the issuance of an ATPL for a period of 7 years from the last date of validity:
  • an IR entered on the licence; or
  • in the case of helicopters, a helicopter type rating entered on that licence.
For the issuance of a Basic Instrument Rating (BIR) for an unlimited period.

Yes, it is possible to take the theoretical knowledge examinations at ACG, if you have completed the corresponding training at an ATO in another EASA member state.
No, the examination papers are based on the ECQB (European Central Question Bank) of EASA. Since the ECQB is property of EASA and its contents are confidential, Austro Control GmbH cannot grant any insight into the examination papers. However, Austro Control can provide a weakness analysis upon request of the candidate, which provides the candidate with information about the learning objectives (LOs) in which he has weaknesses.
Please refer to the overview of the individual examination papers for more information.
The learning objectives (LOs) have been revised. Obsolete subject areas have been deleted, new ones have been included and some learning objectives have been assigned to other examination subjects. Threat and Error Management (TEM) has been integrated into several subjects. Subjects 091 and 092 were merged into one subject. In the new database there is only one subject 090 "Communications".
 
For more information on EASA's ECQB, please click on the following link: European Central Question Bank (ECQB) | EASA (europa.eu)
You are allowed to use them in certain subjects; however, all the card material is also provided in printed form (A3 - format) by ACG. The use is allowed in the following subjects:

ATPLCPLIR/EIR/CBIR
031, 032, 033, 034, 061031, 032, 033, 034, 061031, 032, 033, 034, 061

First and foremost, the ICAO license and the associated Type Rating must be valid, for more information please contact .