Non-controlled operations

Weather and forecasting

Flight planning

Controlled aerodromes and operations
1. You must study the weather forecast or obtain and review an update within what time period before commencing your flight?

Correct.

See Part 91 Plain English Guide: Forecasts for flight planning, page 76, and VFRG page 77.

Incorrect.

2. The power required to conduct a downwind approach compared to an into-wind approach will be:

Correct.

Explanation: this is because you will transition through an area of zero relative wind and lose effective translational lift, therefore requiring more power. See AC 91-29 V1.3 Guidelines for helicopters: Suitable places to take-off and land, page 15.

Incorrect.

3. Landing into wind will:

Correct.

See Part 91 Plain English Guide: Operating on manoeuvring area, or in the vicinity, of a non-controlled aerodrome – landing and taking off into the wind (91.380), page 113, AC 91-29 V1.3 Guidelines for helicopters: Suitable places to take-off and land, page 15 and VFRG page 242.

Incorrect.

4. You are flying on a summer afternoon and see a large bushfire with a tall, thunderstorm-like cloud forming above it. What is the safest action?

Correct.

See Beware of bushfire clouds | Flight Safety Australia: Pyrocumulonimbus clouds from bushfires can create violent turbulence, downdrafts and unpredictable winds that make flying near them unsafe.

Incorrect

5. You are flying your helicopter night VFR in the early hours of a winter morning. It has been a clear night with little wind. The METAR for your destination aerodrome indicates that the temperature and dew point are the same. What weather phenomena could you expect on arrival?

Correct.

See BOM Knowledge Centre.

Incorrect.

6. You are cruising at 2,000 ft above your planned landing site in the southern hemisphere. You assess the wind is from the east at 15 kt at your cruise height. How would you expect the wind to change on your approach to landing?

Correct.

See Winds – EASA ATPL Exam Guide: Surface friction makes winds veer and weaken in the southern hemisphere. 

Incorrect.

7. You are flying your helicopter in the late afternoon of a hot summer’s day in a deep valley. One side of the valley is in sunlight, and the other is shaded. Which side of the valley would likely require less power to fly level?

Correct.

Explanation: on the sunny side of the valley, the ground is heated, creating rising air currents (updrafts) that lift the helicopter, likely reducing the power required to maintain level flight. On the shady side, the air is cooler, and there are fewer updrafts, likely requiring more power to maintain altitude. See Tips on Mountain Flying: Enroute Considerations, page 11 and Mountain flying: unconsidered factors.

Incorrect.

8. You are landing on a pinnacle and there is a strong breeze blowing. Your approach should be:

Correct.

Explanation: this is in order to remain above/in front of the turbulence demarcation line, to avoid the mechanical turbulence and potential downdrafts. See Mountain flying: unconsidered factors.

Incorrect.

9. You are landing into a confined area which is surrounded by high trees. There is wind blowing, and you have just enough power to hover above the tree line. As you descend below the height of the trees, what will happen to your power requirements?

Correct.

See AC 91-29 V1.3 Guidelines for helicopters: Suitable places to take-off and land, paragraph 8.1.3, page 31.

Incorrect.

10. An authorised weather forecast must cover what time period for an estimated time of arrival?

Correct.

See Part 91 Plain English Guide: Forecasts for flight planning, page 76, and VFRG page 78.

Incorrect.

Related content

Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//index.php/resources-and-education/pilot-safety-hub/weather-and-forecasting/quiz-helicopter-2025
Back to top of page