EASA ATPL — Flight Planning (033) Exam Prep

Correct answer: B. Estimated elapsed times to FIR boundaries and significant points along the route

In ICAO flight plan Item 18 (Other Information), 'EET/' is followed by the estimated elapsed times from departure to significant points, typically FIR (Flight Information Region) boundaries. For example: EET/EGTT0030 LFFF0055 means the estimated elapsed time to the London FIR boundary is 30 minutes and to the Paris FIR boundary is 55 minutes. This information helps ATC plan for traffic entering their area of responsibility.

Correct answer: B. Trip fuel + 5% contingency + alternate fuel + final reserve (30 min jet / 45 min prop) + any additional/extra fuel

ICAO (and EASA Part-CAT) requires a comprehensive fuel policy: Trip fuel (fuel to fly from departure to destination) + Contingency fuel (typically 5% of trip fuel, or 3% with en-route alternate, or statistical methods) + Alternate fuel (to fly from destination to alternate) + Final reserve (30 minutes at holding speed for jets, 45 minutes for props, at 1,500 ft above alternate) + Additional fuel (if required by MEL, pressurisation failure scenarios, etc.) + Extra fuel (at commander's discretion). Taxi fuel is also required.

Correct answer: B. It defines which aircraft systems or equipment may be inoperative at dispatch while maintaining an acceptable level of safety, subject to specified conditions

The MEL is a document specific to each aircraft type and operator, derived from the manufacturer's Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL). It lists items that may be inoperative at the time of departure while maintaining an acceptable level of safety, subject to conditions such as: operational limitations (e.g., day VMC only), maintenance procedures (e.g., secure/placard the item), number of items that must remain operative, and a repair interval (Category A: as specified; B: 3 days; C: 10 days; D: 120 days).

Correct answer: B. The departure point does not have an ICAO 4-letter code, and details are provided in Item 18 under DEP/

In the ICAO flight plan format, 'ZZZZ' is used in place of the 4-letter ICAO location indicator when the aerodrome (departure, destination, or alternate) does not have one. The actual name and location of the aerodrome must then be specified in Item 18 using the appropriate keyword: DEP/ for departure, DEST/ for destination, or ALTN/ for alternate. This applies to small airfields, helipads, or non-standard departure/arrival points.

Correct answer: B. The CDL covers missing external airframe components (fairings, panels, doors) and the performance penalties for dispatch without them, while the MEL covers inoperative systems and equipment

The Configuration Deviation List (CDL) addresses external parts of the aircraft that may be missing at dispatch — typically secondary structural components such as fairings, access panels, and non-essential doors. The CDL specifies any performance penalties (e.g., increased fuel burn due to increased drag) and operational limitations associated with the missing item. The MEL, by contrast, addresses inoperative systems and equipment (e.g., a failed weather radar, inoperative APU). Both documents must be consulted during pre-flight planning.

Correct answer: B. The commander must reassess the fuel situation, considering diversion to a nearer suitable airport if the remaining fuel is insufficient to continue safely to destination with all required reserves

Fuel monitoring is a continuous obligation under EASA Part-CAT. If actual fuel is significantly less than planned at any point, the commander must recalculate whether the remaining fuel is sufficient to reach the destination (or alternate) with the required final reserve fuel intact. If not, the commander must consider diverting to a nearer suitable airport. If fuel is expected to be less than final reserve at landing, the pilot must declare a MAYDAY (fuel emergency). A PAN PAN is declared if fuel is expected to be less than planned but above final reserve (MINIMUM FUEL state).