CyberExams
CASA Theory Examination Feedback
Recurring Knowledge-Deficiency-Reports
Feedback for remedial training
The CASA aeronautical knowledge theory examination system has an automatic feedback mechanism that advises each candidate of the syllabus area in which he/she has failed to answer a question correctly. This guidance, called a knowledge-deficiency-report (KDR), is issued with each examination result.
The KDR is intended to help the candidate correct any theory weaknesses before theory retest or presenting for a licence or rating flight test. It assists the candidate to properly acquire the required knowledge for the licence or rating.
Feedback for improved instruction
The KDR feedback for remedial training is at the individual level. Since 2002, the CyberExams database has built up extensive records of candidate performance by subject matter. CASA uses the data to review questions for all subjects and to provide feedback to industry to assist them to better focus theory instruction for their students.
Feedback for improved exams
CASA also reviews other exam data such as the average time taken by candidates to finish. Average time taken indicates whether the current allocated time is sufficient for each subject. This allows CASA to fine-tune exam time to the particular exam type. Where time permitted has been far in excess of what had been required by candidates, CASA will consider whether the exam time can be reduced, with cost savings for the candidates, or if some subject matter could be examined more within current timeframes.
Resource limitations
Presently, the performance information on theory subjects will draw only on the total exam population. In the future, efforts will be made to interrogate data down to regional or even individual school.
The feedback process will assume a monthly or, on some occasions, bimonthly report of the database analysis on selected aeronautical subjects.
This first report publishes information on exams for the three levels of licence, with one subject each from the CPL and ATPL exams.
Private Pilot Licence (aeroplane) exam - PPLA
Exam Time
The PPLA is a single-paper exam. The CASA allocated time for PPLA is 210 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is around 165 minutes. CASA assessed the allocated time for the current exam loading as excessive. CASA is studying the alternatives of reducing the allocated time or using the extra time to increase examining subjects such as Human Factors and Flight Rules & Procedures.
Pass percentage & pass rate
The percentage score required for a pass is 70%. The pass rate for the PPLA in period July to December 2007 was 73.56%.
Subject Feedback
The syllabus areas have been generally well handled. The following represents some areas in which some candidates appear to be inadequately prepared. They are:
- Effect of lowering flaps on performance of glide or descent.
- Factors affecting the angle of climb.
- Calculation of beginning and end of daylight. This is a straightforward graphic and calculation process, in accordance with published graphs and instructions available to the candidate during the exam.
Private Pilot Licence (helicopter) exam - PPLH
Exam Time
The PPLH is a single-paper exam. The CASA allocated time for PPLH is 210 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is around 191 minutes. CASA assessed the allocated time for the current exam loading as more than adequate.
Pass percentage & pass rate
The percentage score required for a pass is 70%. The pass rate for the PPLH in period July to December 2007 was 59.52%.
Subject Feedback
The syllabus areas have been generally well handled. The following represents some areas in which some candidates appear to be inadequately prepared. They are:
- Altimetry pressure instruments, & correct reading of various types of ammeter.
- Direct reading compass - Typical errors, & serviceability check.
- Rules of air.
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) (Aeroplane & Helicopter) Flight Rules & Air Law - CLWA & CLWH
Exam Time
The CASA allocated time for both CLWA and CLWH is 120 minutes each. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam has been 104 minutes for CLWA and 109 minutes for CLWH. CASA assessed the allocated time for both current exam loadings as adequate.
Pass percentage & pass rate
The percentage score required for a pass is 70%. The pass rate in period 01 July 2007 – 30 June 2008 was 73.81% for CLWA and 64.63% for CLWH.
Subject Feedback
The overall result for this subject has sound. As a general guide to further improvement, candidates who failed had knowledge deficiencies across the following subject areas (common to both CLWA & CLWH):
- Flight & duty time involving reserve time at home.
- Alternate Aerodrome Planning - factors or circumstances requiring mandatory alternate.
- Rules of the air - pilot's responsibility
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) human factors exam – CHUF
Exam Time
The CASA allocated time for CHUF is 60 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is 40 minutes. CASA has assessed that the allocated time is more than adequate. CASA may increase the number of questions without increasing the time.
Pass percentage & pass rate
The percentage score required for a pass is 70%. The pass rate for the CMET in period July 2007 – February 2008 was 79.75%.
Subject Feedback
While the subject has been well handled by most candidates, there are areas that may require careful preparation, as follows:
- Anatomy of the ear and eye
- Visual illusions on approach
- Physiological stress
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) meteorology exam - CMET
Exam Time
The CASA allocated time for CMET is 90 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is almost 79 minutes. CASA has assessed that the allocated time is adequate.
Pass percentage & pass rate
The percentage score required for a pass is 70%. The pass rate for the CMET in period July - December 2007 was 79.75%.
Subject Feedback
The vast majority of the syllabus areas have been well handled. The following represents some important areas that candidates appear to be inadequately prepared. They are:
- Microbursts, and their effects on performance (airspeed, shear, updrafts/downdrafts, flight performance indicators) particularly during take-off and landing operations.
- Area and aerodrome forecasts – It would appear that some candidates could have been misapplying the appropriate UTC time to the given flight scenario.
- Aerodrome Forecasts – Where both TTF and TAF have been issued for an aerodrome, it would appear that some candidates appear not to understand which applies.
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) (Helicopter) Aerodynamics - CADH
Exam Time
The CASA allocated time for CADH is 90 minutes . The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is 66 minutes. CASA assessed the allocated time for the current exam loading as slightly excessive. CASA is studying the alternatives of reducing the allocated time or using the extra time to increase the number of questions.
Pass percentage & pass rate
The percentage score required for a pass is 70%. The pass rate for the CADH in period July – December 2007 was 74.86%.
Subject Feedback
Most syllabus topics have been well handled as evident in the pass rate. However a higher than expected percentage of candidates appear to be inadequately prepared in the following areas:
- Ground effect – aerodynamic principles and the environmental factors that influence it.
- Autorotation - how airspeed affects rate of descent and rotor rpm. Also, candidates should pay more attention to the effect of density altitude on autorotative performance and rotor rpm.
- Tail Rotor - Knowledge of airflows and forces and behaviour of a tail rotor.
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) (Aeroplane) Operation, Performance & Flight Planning - CFPA
Exam Time
The CASA allocated time for CFPA is 150 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam has been 139 minutes. CASA assessed the allocated time for the current exam loading as adequate.
Pass percentage & pass rate
The percentage score required for a pass is 70%. The pass rate for the CFPA in period 01 July 2007 – 30 June 2008 was 63.4%.
Subject Feedback
The overall result for this subject is sound. As a general guide to further improvement, candidates who failed had knowledge deficiencies across the following subject areas:
- Extract from ERSA information relevant to aircraft performance; field length available (eg. TODA, TORA, ASDA, etc) and their relationship to one another.
- Airspeed Limitations – the significance of airspeed limitations.
- Aeroplane Weight Limitations, Loading & Balance – the relationship between fuel carried, burned off and aeroplane weight limitations; understand weight & balance theory, and weight limitations and loading characteristics listed in the ‘manual’ of an (exam model) aeroplane.
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) (Helicopter) Operation, Performance & Flight Planning - CFPH
Exam Time
The CASA allocated time for CFPH is 150 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is 133 minutes. CASA assessed the allocated time for the current exam loading as adequate.
Pass percentage & pass rate
The percentage score required for a pass is 70%. The pass rate for the CFPH in period July - December 2007 was 61.63%.
Subject Feedback
The overall result for this subject is sound. As a general guide to further improvement, candidates who failed had knowledge deficiencies across the following subject areas:
- Helicopter Limitations, including rotor RPM, VNE, flight load factors, and rearward speed. All have serious operating and flight safety implications.
- Take-off and Landing Weight - when and when not to use 'Area B' gross weight performance.
- Cruise Performance - Calculation of endurance and range. These are essentially simple problems but conversion of units of measurement (e.g. US/Imperial, fuel volume/weight) may be a problem in some cases.
Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) air law exam - AALW
Exam Time
The CASA allocated time for AALW is 90 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is almost 83 minutes. CASA has assessed that the allocated time is adequate.
Pass percentage & pass rate
The percentage score required for a pass is 80%. The pass rate for the AALW in period July – December 2007 was 76.48%.
Subject Feedback
The syllabus areas have been well handled, as evident by its excellent pass rate, especially when the AALW demands a pass score that is 10% higher than for other exams. However, candidates should not be lulled by the fact of AALW being an ‘open book’ exam, as comprehensive studies are necessary prior to sitting the exam.
The following areas are noted as requiring careful preparation:
- Flight time limitations – Generally well answered, though on flight time limitations for operations involving 3 or more pilots, the result has been mixed. Candidates should read carefully what type of operations (involving 2 pilots, or 3 pilots or more) is mentioned, and to apply the correct flight time limitations.
- Recency experience requirements for holder of ATPL on RPT operations.
- Regulations pertaining to permissible unserviceabilities.
Command instrument rating exam - IREX
Exam Time
The CASA allocated time for IREX is 210 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is 190 minutes. CASA has assessed that the allocated time is adequate.
Pass percentage & pass rate
The percentage score required for a pass is 70%. The pass rate for the IREX in period July - December 2007 was 67.37%.
Subject Feedback
The subject has been well handled by most candidates. The following areas have been weak areas for some candidates, and require careful preparation:
- Planning for alternate aerodrome based on available radio navigation aids at the destination aerodrome.
- Planning for alternate aerodrome based on forecast weather conditions at destination aerodrome.
- GPS Arrival - what navigation aid(s) are essential for the conduct of the arrival procedure.
More information
Further reports
Visit this page for regular (monthly or bimonthly) reports.
CASA flight crew exam assurance process
More information is available to enable instructors and candidates to gain an informed understanding of the exam assurance process.