Hi there,

I have studied the RPL/PPL Vol 1. for ~3 weeks and known the permitted material used during the CASA RPLA exam are listed below.

Airservices list
CAR 1988, Part 61 of CASR, Part 91 of CASR and Part 91 MOS
CASR Part 61 plain English guide, CASR Part 91 plain English guide
AIP Book
ERSA
AUS PCA
Visual Flight Rules Guide (VFRG)
Navigation equipment
A basic calculator

Except studying Bob's RPL/PPL Vol 1. and Vol 2., I would like to ask what permitted materials I have to be familar with before taking the RPL exam?

I have my navigation equipment, a ruler and a CASIO scientific calculator (non-programmable).

From my initial research via this forum, it is suggested to bring a Visual Flight Rules Guide (VFRG) and ERSA to the PPL exam because VFRG covers all the Part 61/91 and CAR 1988 for PPL and ERSA covers the wind conversion. This may mean that I need to have my own VFRG and ERSA for my future RPL exam, right?

Do I still need to purchase and get familar with the AIP book and AUS PCA for the RPL exam?

Lastly, I have another question about whether I bring these permiitted materials with my handwritten writing and/or colored sticky tabs on them?

Cheers.

Some observations as a starter.

Navigation equipment

Make sure you have a Douglas protractor and a transparent rule. Both, together, are essential for chart work.

A basic calculator

You can only bring in a basic 4-function calculator, ie no scientific functions or programming capability is permitted. So + - x ÷ √ plus an accumulator (very important) and, if you wish, a percentage function (pretty useless). Your "CASIO scientific calculator" doesn't get a guernsey.

Presuming you are using a CR computer, the best way to figure wind components is using the sine and cosine scales to run the underlying calculations. Quicker and more precise for no penalty in using. The AIP table is just the trig calculations rounded off for the table.
H/W (or T/W) = windspeed x cosine (wind angle)
X/W = windspeed x sine (wind angle)

Probably better to use the VFRG for RPL/PPL. However, from CPL, you will need the AIP. So, my suggestion is to download the AIP from the Airservices website and start to read it (over and over) so that, by the time you get to the CPL (if that is your intention), you can swap from VFRG to AIP somewhat seamlessly.

Hi John,

Thanks for your reply!

Navigation equipment: I just purchased a Jeppesen PJ-1 Plotter (w/ scale), which shall cover the function of a Douglas protractor and a transparent rule.

A basic calculator: Oh, that is a really really basic calculator.

Flight computer: I have a Jeppesen CR-3. I haven't gone through wind components yet but I will refer to your comments (about wind components) when I study relevant theory parts.

AIP: I will use the VFRG as I am trying to get a RPL by the end of this year and get a PPL by the end of next year. If I have time, I will have a look at AIP.

Thanks again!

Cheers, Yingzhou

I just purchased a Jeppesen PJ-1 Plotter (w/ scale), which shall cover the function of a Douglas protractor and a transparent rule.
Doesn't cut the mustard, I'm afraid. You need the two as separate devices. The half round protractor is of very little use for the pilot compared to the Douglas protractor..

A basic calculator: Oh, that is a really really basic calculator.

A quick google check shows a bunch of calculators, none of which will be permitted into the exam room. Perhaps you can either give us the model number or post a picture of the front face ?

Flight computer: I have a Jeppesen CR-3. I haven't gone through wind components yet but I will refer to your comments (about wind components) when I study relevant theory parts.

Good-o.

AIP: I will use the VFRG as I am trying to get a RPL by the end of this year and get a PPL by the end of next year. If I have time, I will have a look at AIP.

If you are not going past the PPL, then the VFRG will be fine.

Jeppesen PJ-1 Rotating Azimuth Plotter
It seems that the protractor can rotate. Please see this link: skylines.com.au/products/jeppesen-pj-1-rotating-azimuth-plotter

Product Description
PJ-1 ROTATING AZIMUTH PLOTTER Planning made simple. One twist of the azimuth allows you to measure the true course or to determine the magnetic course. The PJ-1 also includes scales for sectional terminal area and WAC charts in statute and nautical miles. Size: 3-1/4 x 13 inches; 3-3/8 inches Diameter. English instructions.

A basic calculator
I am trying to buy a basic calculator - Caiso MJ-12Da. See this link: www.casio.com/intl/basic-calculators/product.MJ-12DA/
This calcuator has 4 functions as well as grand total (GT) Independent memory. However, I am worried about that this calculator has 150 steps check which may not be permitted?

Cheers, Yingzhou

It seems that the protractor can rotate.

That's fine but you miss the point. Using both the Douglas Protractor and a transparent rule gives you a big edge with chart work, eg takeoff and landing charts and weight and balance charts, especially trimsheets such as Norm's Turbo Lance II ("Alpha").

A basic calculator

Not familiar with the particular device. Sounds OK but I would check directly with CASA exams so that you don't get a surprise at the exam venue on the day.