For every aspiring pilot in India, clearing the DGCA-conducted examinations is a vital step toward earning the wings to fly. Whether you’re preparing for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), or Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), having the right study material is key to success.
To make your preparation focused and compliant with DGCA standards, we’re sharing an official reference list of books and publications recommended for DGCA pilot licensing exams.
✈️ PPL (Private Pilot Licence) – Core Books
For PPL aspirants, you’ll need to build a strong foundation in Air Law, Navigation, Meteorology, and General Aircraft Knowledge. Some highly recommended titles include:
- Air Law and ATC Procedures – Oxford / Nordian
- Air Navigation – Trevor Thom
- Aviation Meteorology – IC Joshi / G. Kodanda Ram
- Private Pilot Test Guide – Jeppesen
- Human Performance & Limitations – Nordian
- Aircraft Act & Rules – Govt. of India
🛫 CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) – Recommended Study Material
For CPL candidates, deeper understanding of aircraft systems, meteorology, mass & balance, and radio navigation is crucial. Top books include:
- Flight Performance & Planning – Oxford (Volumes 1 & 2)
- Principles of Flight – Keith Williams / Nordian
- Instrumentation & Electrics – Nordian
- Radio Navigation – Oxford / Trevor Thom
- Operational Procedures – Nordian
- Meteorology – Oxford / IC Joshi
🛬 ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) – Advanced References
For the highest level of pilot certification, comprehensive mastery over aircraft systems, avionics, flight planning, and high-level meteorology is required.
- Avionics and Flight Management – David Robson
- General Navigation – Oxford / Keith Williams
- Radio Aids and Instruments – David Harris / Underdown & Cockburn
- Flight Instruments & Automatic Flight Control – David Harris
- Meteorology for Pilot – Mike Wickson
- Air Regulation for Pilots – RK Bali / V. Krishnan & AK Chopra
📝 A Note to Students:
The DGCA advises all candidates to refer to topics as per the prescribed CAR syllabus. The books listed are reference sources — not all content may be relevant for the exam. Always map your study to the relevant topics in the syllabus.
📎 Download the Official PDF List
To make your exam planning easier, here is the official DGCA document listing all recommended books for each subject and licence level.