There are 7 subjects that are covered for both fixed wing and helicopter Commercial Pilot Licenses. 3 of these subjects are common across both aircraft categories, meaning that the CASA syllabus is the same. These exams are:
The remaining 4 subjects contain information specific to the type of license you are aiming to attain. These subjects are:
All of the exams, except Air Law, require a 70% pass rate. Air Law requires an 80% pass rate.
We recommend the following order to complete your exams. This order has been chosen based on students experience and the nature of how certain CASA exams can build upon another exams content. We recommend:
1. Human Factors
2. Aircraft General Knowledge
3. Aerodynamics
4. Meteorology
5. Navigation
6. Operations, Performance and Planning
7. Air Law
Each exam is complex in its own way, and you may be more suited to one aspect of a subject syllabus than another. If you are self-studying or only have the time to study around other commitments, we suggest taking a minimum of 4 weeks per subject. Some exams like Navigation and Operations, Performance and Planning often take students upwards of 6 weeks to study for, due to the complexity of the material. If you are able to study full time, you may be able to complete the subjects in as little as a fortnight.
Don't panic! Failing a CASA exam happens to the best of us. CASA designs these exams to test our knowledge intimately in each of the 7 subjects. At the end of the exam, your invigilator will provide you with a copy of your exam result. This sheet will include a Knowledge Deficiency Report (KDR). This report details the parts of the Syllabus that you made errors in during your exam. You have 3 opportunities to sit each exam before needing extra training, so it is imperative that you review these KDR's before your next exam.
You get 3 attempts at each exam. After this, you need to wait a minimum of 3 months before sitting your 4th attempt.
Whilst some training providers will suggest that you need to attend a formal ground school program, we have found that it is best if students self-study for their first attempt. For most of the exams, this will be sufficient to pass. For those subjects that you are finding challenging, or need help with after your first attempt, we recommend signing up to a formal course for that specific subject. This will not only help you pass that tricky exam, but also save you money that can be put towards your practical training.
Most of the exams cost approximately $160 to sit, however this cost can vary depending on the exam.
There are no prerequisites for studying and sitting the Commercial Pilot License Exams. However, having a basic understanding of Math's and Science is recommended.
Aviation Theory Australia is not affiliated with any flight school and is completely independent.
In all of the exams, you will be provided with a pen and paper. Each exams allows you to bring your own materials. CASA stipulates that you can either use the Airservices Australia list of endorsed materials or the Jeppeson list. Aviation Theory Australia recommends using the Airservices Australia materials. You can bring the following materials to each exam:
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
The materials for your exams, including charts, maps, and stationary can be bought from either your local flight store of online stores such as Flight Store Australia and Downunder Pilot Shop.
You can take two years to finish all of your exams, from the day that you receive your first pass.
The most cost effective way is to self-study the exams. This will primarily be completed at home by using the textbook and/or the workbook. If you were to fail the exam, then we would suggest either seeking private tutoring or attending a class for that specific subject.
Flying is already an expensive pursuit! For most people, you will not need to attend a in-person course. These may not only be unnecessary but are often quite expensive. However, if you fail your first, or even second attempt, then we suggest attending a course or seeking private tutoring to address any areas that you need extra help in.
As pilots ourselves, we recognise just how expensive aviation can be. Our mission is to deliver comprehensive theory materials at a price that doesn't break the bank! Our textbooks are written based specifically on the course. They don't include superfluous information and our materials are designed to streamline your study. We also provide more review and exam questions than any other theory provider, and all of our questions include fully worked answers.
We recognise that you may not need another theory textbook, and may only want to practice questions, so we split them into separate textbook and workbooks. We truly exist to serve our customers; the next generation of Australian pilots. We love talking theory and provide unparalleled aftermarket support.
We are working towards providing a full set of textbooks and workbooks for the CPL exams, including for both the aeroplane and helicopter streams.
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