The CASA RPC RPL PPL Exam Information

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This content is made specifically for the CASA PPL exam, however it is perfectly suitable if you are studying for your RPC or RPL. The difference? The main thing is the navigation content, that’s it! We really recommend you sit the PPL exam over the RPL exam, even if you plan to only ever do only an RPL. The theory passes for both! That way, if you ever do decide to go for your PPL, you won’t have to sit another exam and pay twice.

Additionally if you plan to instruct under RAAus you will be required to pass the PPL theory exam to become a ‘senior instructor’ and furthermore, if you ever decide to get a night rating or instrument rating, the PPL theory is a minimum starting requirement.

Doing this theory will make you a better pilot, both in theory and in the air.

Together we can “Fast-Track Your Flying Theory!”.

PPLA – PPL(Aeroplane) examination

Time permitted 3 hours 30 minutes. Pass mark, not less than 70%

Aspeq Invigilation fee^* $124.90 + CASA fee $65 = $189.90

^* Where the exam is sat at a flying school, the invigilation fee may vary from this amount.

Permitted material required to be supplied by the candidate:

A candidate may use either the Airservices List, or the Jeppesen List of permitted materials only. All other combinations of materials are not permitted.

Airservices List

CAR 1988
CASR Part 61
CAO 20-95.2
CAAP 92-1(1) and 234-1(2.1)
AIP Book
ERSA
AUS PCA
Visual Flight Rules Guide (VFRG)
Sydney, Townsville & Bourke WACs
Navigation equipment
A ‘Basic calculator’
No other references or material permitted

Jeppesen List

CAR 1988
CASR Part 61
CAO 20-95.2
CAAP 92-1(1) and 234-1(2.1)
Jeppesen Airway Manual
AUS PCA
Visual Flight Rules Guide (VFRG)
Sydney, Townsville & Bourke WACs
Navigation equipment
A ‘Basic calculator’
No other references or material permitted

Permitted material to be provided by the Invigilator with the examination, which must be returned on completion of examination:

RPL, PPL and CPL (Aeroplane) workbook, pen, pencil, ruler, eraser and scribble pad only.

Warning: The VFRG may not contain updated regulations, orders and/or procedures. As exam questions are based on current laws and procedures, use of the VFRG should be supported by current publications.

Warning: Candidates are reminded that the examination content (questions and/or answers) and all material provided are only for the sitting of the examination, and must not be copied or taken out of the examination room for study, training or any other purposes. This rule includes all calculations, writings, drawings or scribbling done on the scribble pad provided. Any breach of the rules may give CASA grounds for taking action against the candidate under CAR 298A, which action could lead to the outcome indicated in CAR 298A (5).

Note: The VFRG referred to in these lists of permitted material is that document produced by CASA and not by a third party.

Exam time

The PPLA is a single-part exam. The CASA allocated time for PPLA is 210 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam has been 175 minutes. CASA assessed the allocated time for the current exam is more than adequate.

Pass percentage and pass rate

The percentage score required for a pass is 70%. The following table reflects candidates’ performance by score bands during this period.

The score band percent of candidates for Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) – PPLA exam.
	% Score band							Pass rate
	0 – 54 (%)	55 – 59 (%)	60 – 64 (%)	65 – 69 (%)	70 – 74 (%)	75 – 79 (%)	80+ (%)	Pass rate
2014	8.97	6.22	8.92	12.32	13.19	17.30	33.08	63.57%
2015	6.73	6.54	10.71	11.73	17.69	16.92	29.68	64.29%
2016	5.89	4.62	8.98	10.98	15.67	18.82	35.03	69.52%
2017	7.47	5.66	9.09	12.52	15.65	16.74	32.87	65.26%
2018	7.21	5.55	9.27	13.53	15.42	16.13	32.90	64.44%
2019	4.97	4.30	6.82	14.76	13.64	17.05	38.46	69.14%
2020	5.30	5.36	7.38	15.01	15.95	16.90	34.11	66.96%

Subject feedback

Common errors which we noted were:

Correct use of the take-off and landing charts
Determine time/distance and revision of estimates
Calculate Density Height and/or Pressure Height
Correct use of the various loading systems (ALPHA,BRAVO and CHARLIE)
Interpretation of meteorological forecasts

RPLA – RPL(Aeroplane) examination

Time permitted 2 hours. Pass mark, not less than 70%
Aspeq Invigilation fee* $103.20 + CASA fee $65 = $168.20
* Where the exam is sat at a flying school, the invigilation fee may vary from this amount.
The RPLA exam is based primarily on the requirements of Part 61, MOS Schedule 3, Units 1.1.1 BAKC and 1.1.2 RBKA.

Permitted material required to be supplied by the candidate:
A candidate may use either the Airservices List, or the Jeppesen List of permitted materials only. All other combinations of materials are not permitted.