DGCA Air Regulations Study Plan: How to Prepare for the Exam in 30 Days

This plan assumes 3–4 hours of focused study per day. Adjust timing to your schedule, but do not skip the mock test blocks.

Week 1: Build the Legal Foundation

• Chicago Convention, ICAO structure and Annexes.
• Tokyo, Hague, and Montreal Conventions, offences on board aircraft, jurisdiction, and pilot-in-command authority.
• DGCA India: Aircraft Act 1934, Indian Aircraft Rules 1937, DGCA roles and Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs).
• Pilot licensing requirements: CPL, ATPL, ratings, medical requirements, currency, validity, and privileges.
• Airspace classification: Class A through G, Indian airspace structure, requirements for each class.
• First topic-specific mock test covering week 1 syllabus covered.

Week 2: Operational Rules and ATS

• Rules of the Air (ICAO Annex 2) — VFR, IFR, right-of-way, cruising levels, distress and urgency signals.
• Air Traffic Services — area control, approach control, aerodrome control. Separation standards, ATC clearance contents, and communication failure actions by the pilot-in-command.
• NOTAMs, AIP India, SNOWTAM, ASHTAM — classification, format, validity, and purpose.
• FDTL — daily and weekly flight duty time limits, rest requirements, augmented crew provisions.
• Operational procedures — PBN, ETOPS, MNPS, RVSM.
• Full-length mock exam under timed conditions. Treat it as a real exam.

Week 3: Advanced Topics and Deep Revision

• ICAO Annex 13 — aircraft accident and incident investigation. State responsibilities, investigation process, safety recommendations.
• Emergency and abnormal procedures — distress frequencies, interception of civil aircraft, communication failure procedures. 
• Aircraft registration, nationality and registration marks, certificates of airworthiness, and noise certificates.
• Search and rescue (ICAO Annex 12) — SAR organisation, phases (uncertainty, alert, distress), and the pilot’s responsibilities.
• Dangerous goods regulations — ICAO Annex 18, IATA DGR. 
• Complete a second full-length mock exam. 

Use the FMS Air Regulations question bank to drill specific weak chapters.

Week 4: Mock Tests and Final Revision

• Attempt one full-length mock exam each day under strict timed conditions. 
• Revise FDTL numbers, airspace classification criteria, licensing requirements, and ICAO Annex provisions.
• Go through DGCA CAR amendments and circulars issued in the past 12 months.
• Two final full-length mock exams.
• Light revision only. Review your personal notes, flashcards, and the key numbers (FDTL limits, airspace criteria, licensing hours).