Flight performance and planning
Updated: Sources checked on 3 November 2026
In short
Flight performance and planning is one of the nine subjects of the PPL theory exam. In Germany, the North German authorities set 12 questions in 24 minutes (as of 05/2021); in Switzerland it is 16 questions in 55 minutes.
What the subject covers
The subject links mass and balance with performance for take-off, landing, climb and cruise. It adds VFR flight planning: the navigation plan, fuel planning, briefing with AIP, NOTAM and weather, the flight plan and monitoring the flight. The full structure is set out in the EASA syllabus AMC1 FCL.210; FCL.215.
Scope in the exam
| Country | Questions | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Germany (North German aviation authorities, as of 05/2021) | 12 | 24 |
| Switzerland (FOCA/BAZL, valid from 1 January 2026) | 16 | 55 |
Austro Control does not give figures per subject on its page. How the exam works in each country is explained on the country pages.
Topics
- Density altitude: what it is and what it does Density altitude explained: definition, what raises it and its effect on take-off, climb and landing, with a rule-of-thumb table and worked examples.
- Calculating the crosswind component How to calculate crosswind and headwind from wind direction, wind speed and runway heading, with the formula, the clock rule and worked examples.
Sources
- 1. Easy Access Rules for Aircrew (Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011), Revision October 2026 (EASA, AMC1 FCL.210; FCL.215, accessed 3 November 2026)
- 2. Informationsblatt Theoretische Prüfung, as of 05/2021 (Luftfahrtbehörden Norddeutschland, accessed 3 November 2026)
- 3. BAZL GM/INFO Theorieprüfungen für Privatpiloten, valid from 1 January 2026 (Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA/BAZL), chapter 5, accessed 3 November 2026)
Related topics
- PPL theory: the nine exam subjects The nine subjects of the EASA PPL theory at a glance, with their content, exam scope by country and sourced topic pages to learn from.
- The EASA PPL theory exam How the PPL theory exam works: 75 per cent per subject, an 18-month window, four attempts, 24 months validity and how countries differ.
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