CASA Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Theoretical Exam – Overview of the 7 Mandatory Subjects

Cathay Pacific cadet interview? These chapters target CASA PPL theory (Australia). For Cathay selection, start at the Interview preparation hub and study map — only some chapters overlap.

The CASA PPL theory exam consists of seven core subjects. Below is a concise overview of each subject, highlighting the key topics you need to master, enriched with relevant content from the FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) where applicable.

Master these subjects to proficiency, not just to pass the exam. A good pilot is always learning. Primary references: CASA Part 61 MOS, AIP, ERSA. PHAK is excellent supplementary material for concepts.

Chapter 1: Air Law

• Regulatory framework: Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) Part 61, Part 91, and relevant Parts.
• Licensing & privileges: PPL requirements, ratings, endorsements, recency, medical standards.
• Operating rules: Visual Flight Rules (VFR), airspace classifications, special use areas, restricted/military zones.
• Flight planning & documentation: NOTAMs, AIP, ERSA, weather briefings, flight plans.
• Air traffic services: ATC clearances, phraseology, SAR procedures, incident/accident reporting.
• Aircraft documents: Certificate of Registration, Airworthiness, maintenance releases, logbooks.
• Security & customs: Screening, prohibited items, international flight considerations (if applicable).

FAA PHAK Integration:
The PHAK (Chapter 14: Aviation Weather Services and Chapter 15: Airport Operations) emphasizes understanding of airport markings, signs, lighting, and standard traffic patterns, which complement CASA’s focus on operating rules and airspace knowledge. It also details pilot/controller communication procedures and phraseology, useful for mastering ATC interactions.

Chapter 2: Aircraft General Knowledge (AGK)

• Includes detailed system operation, failures, CASA exam cues, and revision checklist.

FAA PHAK Integration:
Chapter 5 (Aircraft Construction) and Chapter 6 (Principles of Flight) of the PHAK describe aircraft structures, materials, and aerodynamic principles. Chapter 7 (Aircraft Systems) covers electrical, hydraulic, fuel, and environmental systems, offering deeper insight into components like alternators, vacuum systems, and de‑icing equipment. Chapter 8 (Flight Instruments) explains pitot‑static and gyroscopic instrument operation, errors, and failure indications—essential for AGK mastery.

Chapter 3: Flight Performance and Planning

• Includes chart method, W&B, fuel policy context, exam traps, and revision checklist.

FAA PHAK Integration:
Chapter 10 (Weight and Balance) and Chapter 11 (Aircraft Performance) of the PHAK provide detailed methods for weight‑and‑balance calculations, including moment/index units, and discuss the influence of altitude, temperature, wind, and aircraft weight on take‑off, climb, cruise, and landing performance. The manual explains how to use performance charts from the AFM/POH and introduces concepts such as density altitude, critical field length, and obstacle clearance—directly applicable to CASA performance planning.

Chapter 4: Human Performance and Limitations

• Includes physiology, illusions, ADM/TEM, hazardous attitudes, and revision checklist.

FAA PHAK Integration:
Chapter 2 (Aeronautical Decision‑Making) and Chapter 17 (Aeromedical Factors) of the PHAK cover hazardous attitudes, decision‑making models (e.g., DECIDE, 3P model), stress, fatigue, and the effects of medication and alcohol. Chapter 17 also details spatial disorientation, hyperventilation, hypoxia, and trapped‑gas problems, along with recommendations for supplemental oxygen use and vision considerations—key for the Human Performance subject.

Chapter 5: Meteorology

• Includes forecasting interpretation, severe weather hazards, VFR decision framework, and checklist.

FAA PHAK Integration:
Chapter 12 (Aviation Weather) of the PHAK is the primary source for this subject. It covers the atmosphere, pressure, temperature, moisture, stability, clouds, air masses, fronts, fog, icing, thunderstorms, wind shear, and turbulence. It also explains how to interpret METAR, TAF, winds aloft forecasts, and significant weather prognostic charts—directly aligning with CASA meteorology requirements. The manual includes weather hazards to flight and avoidance strategies, essential for safe VFR planning.

Chapter 6: Navigation

• Includes DR workflow, wind triangle, compass corrections, GNSS concepts, lost procedures.

FAA PHAK Integration:
Chapter 13 (Navigation) and Chapter 14 (Navigation Systems) of the PHAK detail dead reckoning, pilotage, radio navigation (VOR, NDB, ADF, DME), GPS operation, and the magnetic compass. The manual explains the wind triangle, use of the flight computer (E6B), plotting courses on aeronautical charts, and interpreting VOR and NDB indications. It also covers GPS errors, RAIM, and satellite‑based augmentation systems (SBAS). These topics map closely to CASA navigation objectives.

Chapter 7: Operational Procedures

• Includes phase SOP flows (preflight, departure, en route, arrival, emergency), CTAF/MBZ non-controlled aerodrome operations, emergencies, and TEM integration.

FAA PHAK Integration:
Chapter 4 (Principles of Flight) and Chapter 9 (Weight Shift) discuss take‑off and landing performance, but operational procedures are covered throughout. Chapter 16 (Emergency Procedures) outlines engine failure, fire, and other in‑flight emergencies, while Chapter 15 (Airport Operations) covers traffic patterns, runway markings, lighting, and ground operations. The PHAK emphasizes checklist usage, situational awareness, and risk management—core to SOPs and emergency handling. It also addresses runway incursion prevention and wake turbulence avoidance, aligning with CASA operational safety.

Study Tips

• Each chapter uses CASA Primary / PHAK Secondary labels, Why this matters callouts, and a unified Pre-Exam Revision (Must know · Nice to know · Common traps). Sketch diagrams (wind triangle, circuit, W&B) while revising.
• Use the CASA PPL Theory Exam Guide and the relevant Part 61 Manual of Standards (MOS) as primary references.
• Practice with question banks (e.g., ASA, Sheppard Air, Bob Tait) to familiarize with exam style.
• Create summary sheets or flashcards for each subject, focusing on formulas, limits, and key definitions.
• Regularly review weather charts and performance graphs to build proficiency in interpretation.
• Join a study group or discuss concepts with an instructor to clarify difficult topics.

Good luck with your PPL theoretical preparation!

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