Frequently Asked Questions

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 There are seven written exams required for both Aeroplane and Helicopter Commercial Pilot Licences (CPL).

Three subjects are common to both licences:

• Human Factors
• Meteorology
• Navigation
   

The remaining four are specific to your aircraft category:

• Aircraft General Knowledge
• Aerodynamics
• Operations, Performance & Planning
• Air Law
   

All seven subjects are covered in our 15-Week Online CPL Theory Course or can be studied individually through our self-paced modules.

70% for all subjects except Air Law, which requires 80%.

Our courses are designed around these benchmarks to help you exceed them confidently on your first attempt. 

You can take two years to finish all of your exams, from the day that you receive your first pass.

Based on student results and how each subject builds upon another, we recommend the following order:

1. Human Factors
2. Aircraft General Knowledge
3. Aerodynamics
4. Meteorology
5. Navigation
6. Operations, Performance & Planning
7. Air Law
    

This is the same progression we use in our 15-Week Course, ensuring your learning flows logically and efficiently.

 If you’re studying around other commitments, allow:

• 4–6 weeks per subject minimum
• Navigation and Operations, Performance & Planning often take longer due to complexity
   

Our 15-Week Course streamlines this process by integrating all seven subjects into a structured weekly schedule with live classes, self-paced content, and instructor support.

 Most CASA exams are approximately $160 each.

Don’t panic — it’s common!

CASA exams are intentionally challenging. After your exam, you’ll receive a Knowledge Deficiency Report (KDR) highlighting areas to revise.

You can attempt each exam three times before mandatory retraining.

If you’re struggling, our individual subject courses and tutoring support are designed exactly for this situation. 

You can attempt each exam up to three times. After the third attempt, CASA requires a three-month wait before your next sitting. 

Each exam allows certain approved reference materials. CASA accepts either the Airservices Australia or Jeppesen lists — we recommend the Airservices list.

Your required materials are detailed in our courses and available through online pilot shops such as Flight Store Australia or Downunder Pilot Shop.

(In our 15-Week Course, we provide all necessary references and guides — no guesswork required.)

Human Factors:

No Extra Materials

Navigation (Airservices List):

Part 91 MOS

AIP Book

ERSA complete

AUS PCA

ERC LOW 1/2 and 3/4 only (2 ERC LOWs)

Hobart/Launceston VTC

Brisbane-Sunshine Coast/Gold Coast VTC

Sydney WAC

Navigation equipment

A basic calculator

Meteorology:

AIP Book

AUS PCA

Sydney WAC

Aerodynamics - both Aeroplane and Helicopter (Airservices):

CAR 1988

Parts 61 of CASR

Part 91 of CASR and Part 91 MOS

Part 135 of CASR and Part 135 MOS

CAO 48.1 Instrument 2019

AIP Book

ERSA complete

AUS PCA

ERC LOW 1/2 and 3/4 only (2 ERC LOWs)

Hobart/Launceston VTC

Brisbane-Sunshine Coast/Gold Coast VTC

Aeroplane Operation, Performance and Planning (Airservices):

Part 91 of CASR and Part 91 MOS

Part 135 of CASR and Part 135 MOS

AC 91-02

AIP Book

ERSA complete

Navigation equipment

A basic calculator

Helicopter Operation, Performance and Planning (Airservices):

Bell 206L-1 Long Range II Performance and Operations Handbook

Part 91 MOS

Part 133 of CASR and Part 133 MOS

AC 91-29

AIP Book

ERSA complete

Navigation equipment

A basic calculator

Aircraft General Knowledge:

No extra materials

Flights Rules and Air Law:

CAR 1988

Part 61 of CASR

Part 91 of CASR and Part 91 MOS

Part 133 of CASR and Part 133 MOS

CAO 48.1 Instrument 2019

AIP Book

ERSA complete

AUS PCA

ERC LOW 1/2 and 3/4 only (2 ERC LOWs)

Hobart/Launceston VTC

Brisbane-Sunshine Coast/Gold Coast VTC

If you’re motivated and organised, self-study can work — but most students find structure and accountability make all the difference.

That’s why we recommend our 15-Week Online CPL Theory Course, which includes:

• All seven CASA subjects
• Live classes three nights a week
• Access to self-paced resources
• A guided study plan and exam preparation
   

It’s the most effective, affordable, and time-efficient way to complete your CPL theory in one go.

Our 15-Week Course covers all seven CASA CPL subjects — Human Factors, Aircraft General Knowledge, Aerodynamics, Meteorology, Navigation, Operations, Performance & Planning, and Air Law.

You’ll receive:

• 3 live online classes each week (via Microsoft Teams)
• Access to all self-paced modules
• Over $1,200 worth of included resources
• Hundreds of practice questions with worked solutions
• Direct instructor support and ongoing guidance

Everything is delivered online, after hours, so you can study around work or flying.

No formal prerequisites, but a basic grasp of maths and science is highly recommended.

If it’s been a while since you studied these, don’t worry — we explain every concept step-by-step in our courses. 

 Aviation Theory Australia may have affiliate arrangements with certain flight schools. Where such an arrangement exists, we may pay a commission to the flight school for enrolments that occur through their referral.

We believe in transparency and compliance with relevant legislation. Any prospective student is welcome to ask us whether we have an affiliate arrangement with their specific flight school.

Self-study can work, but our data shows that students who follow a structured plan save money long-term by passing more exams on their first attempt.

That’s why our 15-Week Online Course includes:

• All seven subjects in one integrated course
• Access to self-paced content
• Study support and Q&A sessions
• $1,200 worth of materials included in the course price

Not necessarily — but structure helps.

Our online courses mean you don’t need to travel or take time off work. You can study three nights a week from home, while still having instructor support and a full student community. 

 Because we’ve built the kind of course we wish we had as students.

• CASA-aligned content written by working pilots
• Streamlined, no-fluff explanations
• Hundreds of practice questions with full worked answers
• Affordable pricing — a fraction of traditional ground school costs
• Long-term course access and post-course support

Whether you join our 15-Week Online Course or study at your own pace, you’ll be learning from instructors who genuinely care about helping you reach your CPL goals — without breaking the bank.