Syllabus Mapping for Subject 090 Communications
This lesson maps the PPL Monkey curriculum for Subject 090 Communications to the EASA syllabus requirements.
Legal basis
- EU Regulation 1178/2011 (Aircrew Regulation), Part-FCL Annex I.
- AMC1 FCL.215(a) Theoretical Knowledge Examination Syllabus for the PPL(A).
- EASA Easy Access Rules for Part-FCL (latest consolidated edition 2024).
- FCL.055 Language Proficiency.
Subject 090 topics per AMC1 FCL.215(a)
The EASA PPL syllabus for 090 — Communications comprises (in essence):
| Chapter | Syllabus topics | Covered in PPL Monkey |
|---|---|---|
| 091 01 | VFR communications | VHF foundations, radio discipline (2 lessons) |
| 091 02 | ICAO spelling alphabet & numbers | alphabet, numbers (2 lessons) |
| 091 03 | Standard phraseology | standard expressions, microphone technique, readability (3 lessons) |
| 091 04 | Aircraft call signs & initial contacts | call signs, initial call (2 lessons) |
| 091 05 | Communications per flight phase | taxi, take-off/departure, en-route FIS, position, approach/landing, vacating (6 lessons) |
| 091 06 | Special procedures | MAYDAY, PAN PAN, radio failure, interception, hijack (5 lessons) |
| 091 07 | Transponder & surveillance | modes, standard codes, IDENT, Mode-C off (4 lessons) |
| 091 08 | ATIS, VOLMET, AFIS | ATIS/VOLMET/AFIS/AFISO (1 lesson) |
| 091 09 | Q-codes | Q-codes (1 lesson) |
| 091 10 | Frequency structure | European frequencies (1 lesson) |
Differences from the ATPL theory
ATPL/IR syllabus is considerably more extensive:
- HF (High Frequency) radio for trans-oceanic flights.
- SELCAL (Selective Calling).
- CPDLC (Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications).
- ATN/ACARS datalink procedures.
- Oceanic procedures (NAT, North Atlantic Track System).
- ADS-C (Automatic Dependent Surveillance — Contract).
PPL Monkey Subject 090 covers PPL level. ATPL deepening in planned Subject 200 (Phase 2).
EASA examination
Subject 090 is examined in the PPL theory exam with typically 12 multiple-choice questions (varies by authority). Pass mark: 75 % correct.
Practical examination
FCL.235 skill test implicitly tests Subject 090:
- Radio during cross-country: full phraseology.
- Use callsigns correctly.
- Demonstrate emergency procedures (mock).
- Frequency changes clean.
Language Proficiency (FCL.055)
Pilot language proficiency is graded levels 1-6:
- Level 4 (Operational): minimum for licence, re-test every 4 years.
- Level 5 (Extended): valid 6 years.
- Level 6 (Expert): lifetime.
Language: English (international), plus native language if different.
Cross-reference
Subject 090 connects with:
- Subject 010: airspaces and radio requirements.
- Subject 020: cockpit avionics.
- Subject 050: weather services (ATIS, VOLMET).
- Subject 060: navigation and ATC service.
- Subject 070: pilotage procedures in each flight phase.
Recommendations
- Practice radio regularly: not just theoretical.
- LiveATC.net: international ATC heard.
- Mock radio with instructor.
- Fluent own callsign.