A320 MQF List – Airplane General Knowledge Exam Guide

Preparing for the A320 Minimum Qualification Requirements (MQF) assessment on Airplane General is a critical step for pilots and aviation professionals seeking type rating certification. This comprehensive exam evaluates a candidate's foundational knowledge of the Airbus A320's major systems, components, and general technical specifications. A thorough understanding of these areas is essential for safe and proficient aircraft operation. This guide provides an in-depth overview of the exam's structure, common content areas, and effective strategies for successful preparation.

Exam Overview

The A320 MQF Airplane General exam is a formal assessment designed to verify that a candidate possesses the requisite technical knowledge before advancing to practical simulator and flight training. It forms a core part of the type rating process, ensuring all personnel have a standardized baseline understanding of the aircraft. The focus is on theoretical knowledge of systems rather than hands-on operation. Success in this exam demonstrates a candidate's readiness to absorb more advanced, procedure-based training.

Exam Format and Structure

Typically, the assessment is conducted in a written or computer-based format. It often consists of multiple-choice questions, though true/false and matching questions may also be included. The total number of questions and the allotted time can vary depending on the administering authority or training organization. The exam is closed-book, emphasizing the need for memorization and deep comprehension of technical data from official aircraft manuals, such as the Aircraft Operating Manual (AOM) and Systems Description manuals.

Common Content Areas and Key Topics

The scope of "Airplane General" for the A320 is broad, covering the aircraft's major systems. Candidates should expect detailed questions from the following key areas:

1. Airframe and Major Components

This section covers the aircraft's basic structure, including fuselage zones, wings, empennage, and landing gear. Questions may involve the construction materials, the purpose of different structural components, and the location of major access panels and doors.

2. Hydraulic Systems

Knowledge of the A320's three independent hydraulic systems (Green, Yellow, Blue) is crucial. Expect questions on system pressure, fluid type, power sources (Engine-Driven Pumps, Electric Pumps, Power Transfer Unit), and which flight controls and landing gear are powered by each system.

3. Electrical Systems

This is a vast area covering power generation, distribution, and backup. Key topics include the functions of the Integrated Drive Generators (IDGs), the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) generator, external power, and the emergency generator. Understanding the Electrical Network configuration and the role of the Essential and Main buses is fundamental.

4. Fuel System

Candidates must understand fuel tank locations and capacities, the fuel feed sequence, crossfeed procedures, and the functions of fuel pumps and valves. Knowledge of fuel jettison capabilities and related limitations is also important.

5. Pneumatic System

Questions will focus on the sources of bleed air (engines, APU, high-pressure ground connection), the uses of bleed air (engine start, air conditioning, anti-ice), and the associated monitoring and protection systems like overheat and overpressure detection.

6. Flight Controls

This includes the architecture of the fly-by-wire system, the different control laws (Normal, Alternate, Direct), and the function of primary and secondary flight controls (ailerons, elevators, rudder, slats, flaps, spoilers). Understanding the role of the various computers (ELACs, SECs, FACs) is essential.

7. Ice and Rain Protection

Knowledge of the different anti-ice and de-ice systems is required, including engine air intake anti-ice, wing anti-ice (using hot air), probe heating, and windshield heating and wiper systems.

8. Fire Protection

This covers the locations and operation of fire detection systems for engines, APU, and cargo holds, as well as the associated fire extinguishing systems, including the number of bottles and their discharge procedures.

9. Cabin and Cargo Systems

Topics may include the cabin pressurization system, air conditioning packs, the different door types (passenger, service, cargo, emergency exits), their operating mechanisms, and associated indications and warnings.

Typical Requirements and Prerequisites

Candidates are generally expected to have completed ground school training specifically for the A320 type rating. A solid foundation in general aeronautical knowledge is assumed. The primary study materials are the official Airbus documentation for the specific A320 variant. Familiarity with technical diagrams and system schematics from these manuals is highly beneficial, as questions often reference them.

Tips for Success and Effective Study Strategies

1. Use Official Sources: Base your study entirely on the latest official Airbus technical documentation for your specific A320 variant (e.g., A320-214). These are the definitive sources for exam content.
2. Understand Systems Logic: Avoid pure rote memorization. Strive to understand how and why systems work. For example, learn the logic behind electrical load shedding or hydraulic system prioritization.
3. Create System Summaries: Make your own notes or flowcharts for each major system. This process of condensing information aids retention and creates a valuable quick-review resource.
4. Focus on Limitations and Numbers: Exams frequently test key numerical data, such as system pressures, fluid quantities, temperature limits, and capacities. Create a dedicated list of these important figures.
5. Practice with Sample Questions: Applying your knowledge to question formats similar to the actual exam is invaluable. It helps identify knowledge gaps and builds exam-taking stamina. Resources like Passetra offer question banks that can be useful for this purpose.
6. Study in Groups: Discussing complex systems with peers can uncover different perspectives and solidify your own understanding.
7. Manage Your Time: Create a structured study plan well in advance of your exam date, allocating sufficient time to each major system based on its complexity.

By methodically working through each content area, focusing on comprehension over memorization, and thoroughly testing your knowledge, you can approach the A320 MQF Airplane General assessment with confidence. This exam is the gateway to the next phase of your A320 training, establishing the critical technical foundation for all subsequent learning.