Hi Stanley,

We have no way of knowing the numbers of questions per area as the exams are a lucky dip from the CASA question banks with selections from different sections. It is safe to assume marks are fairly evenly spread across all areas. One thing is for sure, the multi mark questions are in performance with some in navigation as well.

If you recognise weaknesses in Met and Air Law I would strongly recommend holding off on the exam until you feel up to speed on them. You can't afford to be behind the 8-ball on two sections of the exam before you even start.

Here is the link to the PPL exam page at CASA:
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_90058

The items you need for the exam are outlined on the CASA website here:
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_90074

Good luck with the studies!

Cheers,

Rich

Hi

Thanks for your reply.

By the way, can I attempt the ppl exam at anytime during my training? Or must I wait till I have completed a navigation flight before I attempt?

Is there a validity period for the ppl exam result? Or is it perpetual like the license, subject to a biennial review?

Thank you.

Hi Stanley,

The PPL can be taken almost any time in your training. At the moment the one restriction is you must have a BAK exam pass stamped in your log book. This BAK exam is administered by your local flying school. Once you have passed the PPL theory exam, the pass is valid indefinitely. Completing some navigation exercises will make it easier for you to work through the Navigation and Performance sections of the PPL syllabus because you will have had practical experience. However, cross country flights are not a requirement for sitting the theory exam.

Cheers,

Rich

Hi Rich

Thank you for your confirmation.

I am in the midst of doing the sample ppl questions at the back of the ppl book. May I know why the answer for q63 is 1050kg?

Thank you.

Also, for qn8, why is the answer a? In controlled airspace, shouldn't the min vertical SEP from cloud be 500m in class d?

Thank you .

Hi Stanley,

Well spotted, Q63 is an errata. I worked it and get about 980m so we will change the answer options as follows:
(a) 800 kg
(b) 900 kg
(c) 980 kg
(d) 1050 kg

As for question 8, the question states you are flying OCTA (outside controlled airspace). Since you are below 3000ft you can use the reduced cloud separation minima of "Clear of Cloud" but just remember you will need to have a VHF radio and maintain a listening watch while operating with those reduced minima. Also, the vertical cloud separation is given in feet so in Class D it is 500ft below cloud (not 500m).

Cheers,

Rich

Hello Richard!

Thank you for your reply!

Now that the part 61 has been postponed, I will need to get my gfpt before my ppl.

Is there a way to bypass the gfpt and go direct to PPL? Will it be cheaper this way?

Thank you.

Hi Stanley,

No, you cannot bypass the GFPT as it is a prerequisite for solo navigation flights and you need solo nav time before you qualify for your PPL flight test.

Cheers,

Rich

Hi Richard

Thank you for your reply.

Anyway, I am waiting for my ASIC and spl from casa. In the meantime, is it advisable for me to carry on with my training, and then come back to do my first solo, or to take a rest from now till I get the things from casa? I am at flapless approach now.

Thank you!

Hi Stanley,

Your flying school should still be able to continue your training for you - or are you up to solo standard already? If not, keep at it. With any luck the SPL shouldn't take too long and the turnaround on the ASIC is not too bad nowadays. If you are at a loose end, then start working on the theory component of your training. You will need the BAK theory exam pass before you can sit for your GFPT (speak to your school about the BAK exam they set). Your school may also have pre-solo and pre-area solo theory exams for you to do too.

Best advice? Speak to your instructor and see what she/he recommends. There's plenty enough for you to do while you wait for the paperwork.

Cheers,

Rich

Hi

According to my schedule, I am 2 lessons away from my first solo. My instructor is concerned that there will be a long period of waiting time between when I am ready for first solo, and when I receive my ASIC and spl. Hence, he suggested to stagger my flight lessons to be in line with the expected date of receipt of my spl and ASIC. Casa received my forms on 14 nov.

I have already passed all my theory papers, including bak and ppl cyber exams. I am only left with the flying lessons and the final flight test.

So I am wondering should I go ahead with my training, and then come back to first solo? This will save me a lot of time. Have your students done the same before?

Your instructor is going to be the best guide on what to do next. Although there is probably no legal reason why you couldn't go on to do some post-solo dual training, it may be of limited use to you. Another consideration is CASA's surveillance of the school. They may take a dim view of a student undergoing post-solo dual training when they haven't gone solo yet.

It is frustrating I know but it would probably be best to just hang on for a little while longer and stagger those last two lessons as your instructor suggested. You wouldn't be the first to have their flying training held up by paperwork.

Cheers,

Rich

Ok I shall wait for casa then.

Thank you Richard for your time and advice!!!