Australia wide pass rates

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, CASA’s 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.

Recreational Pilot Licence (aeroplane) exam - RPLA

Exam Time

The RPLA is a single-paper exam.  The CASA allocated time for RPLA is 120 minutes.  The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is around 99 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 RPLA in 2015 was 46.73%.  This unexpectedly low pass rate was due, in part, to one school that had a large number of candidates sit this exam without completing their training and without them using the permitted material in their exam. It is expected that the pass rate will improve significantly. The following table reflects candidates' performance by score bands during this period:

RPLA	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2015	% of candidates	14.02	9.35	14.95	14.95	15.89	11.21	19.63

Subject Feedback

Whilst not many candidates had attempted this subject, some candidates did have difficulty using the take-off distance charts, interpreting weather conditions and the use of the various loading systems (ALPHA, BRAVO, and CHARLIE).

Recreational Pilot Licence (helicopter) exam - RPLH

Exam Time

The RPLH is a single-part exam. The CASA allocated time for RPLH is 120 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is around 95 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 RPLH in 2015 was 66.67%. The following table reflects candidates' performance by score bands during this period:

RPLA	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2015	% of candidates	16.67	0.00	0.00	16.67	16.67	16.67	33.33

Subject Feedback

Due to the extremely low number of exam sittings, the performance report was not available.

Recreational Pilot Licence Navigation exam - RPLN

Exam Time

The RPLN is a single-part exam. The CASA allocated time for RPLN is 90 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is very close to 90 minutes. CASA assessed the allocated time for the current exam loading as adequate but will monitor the time closely.

Pass percentage & pass rate

The percentage score required for a pass is 70%. The pass rate for the RPLN in 2015 was 40.00%. The following table reflects candidates' performance by score bands during this period:

RPLA	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2015	% of candidates	40.00	0.00	20.00	0.00	20.00	20.00	0.00

There were only five candidates who attempted this exam in 2015.

Subject Feedback

Due to the extremely low number of exam sittings, the performance report was not available.

Private Pilot Licence (aeroplane) exam - PPLA

Exam Time

The PPLA is a single-part 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 2013 was 72.29%, in 2014 it was 63.57% and in 2015 it was 64.29%. The following table reflects candidates' performance by score bands during this period:

PPLA	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	8.97	6.22	8.92	12.32	13.19	17.30	33.08
2015	% of candidates	6.73	6.54	10.71	11.73	17.69	16.92	29.68

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:

• Interpreting of navigation aids, ADF/NDB, VOR and knowledge of GNSS
• Effect of lowering flaps on performance of glide or descent, including AOA, the effect of a change in weight and speed
• Factors affecting the angle of climb.
• Interpretation of maps and charts

Private Pilot Licence (helicopter) exam - PPLH

Exam Time

The PPLH is a single-part exam. The CASA allocated time for PPLH is 210 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is around 187 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 2013 was 73.74%, and in 2014 was 58.40% and in 2015 it was 59.66%. The following table reflects candidates' performance by score bands during this period:

PPLH	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	12.80	3.20	14.40	11.20	15.20	15.20	28.00
2015	% of candidates	14.29	2.52	10.08	13.45	12.61	13.45	33.61

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 80%. The pass rates for CLWA and CLWH in 2013 were respectively 72.59%  and 59.85%, in 2014 they were 70.01% and 56.38% respectively and in 2015 they were 73.21% and 59.52% respectively.

CLWA	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	0.90	0.90	1.25	3.67	8.31	14.96	70.01
2015	% of candidates	0.15	0.60	1.13	4.21	6.85	13.84	73.21

CLWH	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	2.01	1.34	4.03	8.05	9.40	18.79	56.38
2015	% of candidates	3.17	2.78	2.78	6.75	10.32	14.68	59.52

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.
• Classification of various operations, AWK, CHTR etc
• Alternate Aerodrome Planning - factors or circumstances requiring mandatory alternate.
• Rules of the air - pilot's responsibility
• Track keeping requirements

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) Human Factors exam – CHUF

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for CHUF is 75 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is 49 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 CHUF in 2013 was 73.80%, in 2014 it was 75.22% and in 2015 they were 77.46%.

CHUF	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	3.35	3.40	6.75	11.10	15.83	21.75	37.64
2015	% of candidates	2.30	3.51	5.56	11.17	16.60	20.11	40.74

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

On the topic of TEM, candidates should read CAAP 5.59-1(0) ‘Teaching and Assessing Single Pilot Human Factors and Threat and Error Management’ dated October 2008, in particular its ‘Definitions’ and sections 13, 14 and 15. The areas which require more careful attention are:

• Undesired aircraft state (UAS)
• Various classifications of threats and errors
• Various categories of countermeasures

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 74 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 2013 was 85.20%, in 2014 it was 77.68% and in 2015 it was 69.69%.

CMET	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	4.86	3.79	6.87	6.80	11.52	14.95	51.22
2015	% of candidates	5.42	4.21	8.87	11.81	16.27	17.55	35.86

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:

• Air masses and frontal weather
• Inversions, fog and mist
• Cloud recognition, icing and precipitation associated with different types of clouds
• Decoding of forecasts, in particular TAFs and TTFs where there are periods such as INTER, TEMPO or FM included.
• 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) Navigation exam - CNAV

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for CNAV is 105 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is 89 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 CNAV in 2013 was 79.11%, in 2014 it was 82.70% and in 2015 it was 78.71%.

CNAV	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	4.54	2.81	3.82	6.13	8.07	14.42	60.20
2015	% of candidates	5.04	2.66	7.27	6.33	11.37	13.60	53.74

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:

• Calculate a required ROC/ROD
• Determine fuel requirements
• ADF errors, ADF homing, and recognise instrument indications signifying station passage,
• Given diagrams and airspace situations, solve problems relating to rates/gradients of climb and descent.

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) (Aeroplane) Aerodynamics - CADA

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for CADA is 90 minutes . The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is 58 minutes. CASA assessed the allocated time for the current exam loading is adequate.

Pass percentage & pass rate

The percentage score required for a pass is 70%. The pass rate for the CADA in 2013 was 68.59%, in 2014 it was 70.50% and in 2015 it was 72.50%.

CADA	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	6.15	5.12	7.10	11.13	15.67	16.40	38.43
2015	% of candidates	4.73	4.65	7.88	10.24	13.48	17.42	41.61

Subject Feedback

Most syllabus topics have been well handled. However a higher than expected percentage of candidates appears to be inadequately prepared in the following areas:

• Knowledge of range and endurance flying
• Wing design – anhedral, dihedral, aspect ratio, wash-out.
• Flow dynamics – pressure changes with changes in angles of attack.
• Takeoff & landing - "ground effect" and its effect on aeroplane performance.

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 62 minutes. CASA assessed the allocated time for the current exam loading is adequate.

Pass percentage & pass rate

The percentage score required for a pass is 70%. The pass rate for the CADH in 2013 was 76.45%, in 2014 it was 78.71% and in 2015 it was 75.38%.

CADH	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	5.22	3.21	4.02	8.84	12.05	19.68	46.99
2015	% of candidates	5.00	6.54	3.85	9.23	11.54	17.31	46.54

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 137 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 2013 was 69.60%, in 2014 it was 69.67% and in 2015 it was 71.67%.

CFPA	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	8.31	4.85	10.24	6.93	11.39	12.16	46.11
2015	% of candidates	6.69	4.39	6.32	10.93	13.61	14.28	43.79

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:

• Basic ground speed errors these affected a number of questions, including determine ETI and EST for given positions
• Aircraft speeds, TOSS, Va, Vne, manoeuvering speeds
• 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 134 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 2013 was 65.78%, in 2014 it was 63.97% and in 2015 it was 69.00%

CFPH	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	16.60	4.86	5.67	8.91	10.12	11.34	42.51
2015	% of candidates	13.97	4.37	7.42	5.24	12.23	8.30	48.47

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.

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) (Aeroplane & Helicopter) Aircraft General Knowledge - CYSA & CSYH

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for CSYA & CSYA is 90 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam has been 57 minutes for CSYA and 54 minutes for CSYH. CASA assessed the allocated time for each exam 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 rates for the CSYA and CSYH in 2013 were respectively 81.28% and 72.66%, and in 2014 they were 80.46% and 69.02% respectively and in 2015 they were 80.66% and 67.15% respectively.

CSYA	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 60	61 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	2.62	3.43	4.74	8.75	15.86	23.71	40.88
2015	% of candidates	2.27	2.9	4.54	9.59	14.30	21.36	45.00

 

CSYH	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 60	61 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	4.04	6.40	8.75	11.78	13.47	20.54	35.02
2015	% of candidates	6.57	2.92	9.12	14.23	21.53	10.58	35.04

 

Subject Feedback

The overall result for this subject is sound. As a general guide to further improvement, the frequently occurring KDR, common to both CSYA & CSYH, were:

• Recognition of different fuels
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems
• Engine cooling
• Waste-gate operations and failures

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) (Aeroplane & Helicopter) Conversion exams - COSA & COSH

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for both COSA and COSH is 120 minutes each. CASA assessed the allocated time for both current exam loadings as adequate.

Pass percentage & pass rate

The percentage score required for a pass is 80%. The pass rates for COSA and COSH in 2014 they were 66.67% and 100% respectively and in 2015 they were 72% and 43.75% respectively.

COSA	Score band	0 - 54	55 – 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	0.00	0.00	11.11	0.00	11.11	0.00	66.67
2015	% of candidates	2.00	0.00	0.00	2.00	16.00	8.00	72.00
COSH	Score band	0 - 54	55 – 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	100.00
2015	% of candidates	6.25	0.00	0.00	12.50	18.75	18.75	43.75

Only nine attempts were made with COSA and one attempt at the COSH exam, in 2015 there were 50 attempts and 16 attempts respectively.

Subject Feedback

Due to the extremely low number of exam sittings, the performance report was not available.

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) Flight Rules & Air Law Balloon exam – CLWB

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for CLWB is 120 minutes. CASA has assessed that the allocated time is adequate.

Pass percentage & pass rate

The percentage score required for a pass is 75%. The pass rate for the CLWB in 2014 it was 100% and in 2015 it was 50%..

CLWB	Score band	0 - 54	55 – 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	25.00	75.00
2015	% of candidates	0.00	0.00	0.00	50.00	0.00	0.00	50.00

Only four attempts were made with this exam in 2014 and two in 2015.

Subject Feedback

Due to the extremely low number of exam sittings, the performance report was not available.

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) Operations Balloon exam – COPB

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for COPB is 150 minutes. CASA has assessed that the allocated time is adequate.

Pass percentage & pass rate

The percentage score required for a pass is 75%. The pass rate for the COPB in 2014 it was 25.00% and in 2015 it was 100%.

COPB	Score band	0 - 54	55 – 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	12.50	12.50	25.00	12.50	12.50	12.50	12.50
2015	% of candidates	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	100.00	0.00

Only eight attempts were made with this exam.

Subject Feedback

Due to the extremely low number of exam sittings, the performance report was not available.

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 2013 was 73.97%, in 2014 it was 74.32% in 2015 it was 67.07%.

AALW	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	1.20	0.45	1.95	3.90	9.91	8.26	74.32
2015	% of candidates	1.46	0.98	3.17	6.34	11.46	9.51	67.07

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:

• Documentation
• Flight instruments/Radio equipment requirements
• 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.

Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) Human Factors exam - AHUF

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for AHUF is 75 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is almost 45 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 AHUF in 2013 was 84.05%, in 2014 it was 86.21%, in 2015 it was 84.39%.

AHUF	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	0.31	2.51	3.13	7.84	11.29	22.88	52.04
2015	% of candidates	0.19	0.96	4.82	9.63	15.41	25.63	43.35

Subject Feedback

The overall result for this subject is excellent, indicating a sound command of the subject. As a general guide to further improvement, the frequently occurring KDR were:

• TEM - definition of terms and types of threats, errors, UAS, etc.
• Types of human errors, its prevention & countermeasures
• Human factors in motor skills
• Communication styles

Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) Meteorology exam - AMET

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for AMET is 90 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is 55 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 AMET in 2013 was 92.76%, in 2014 it was 91.81%, in 2015 it was 92.74%.

AMET	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	0.38	0.95	1.33	5.52	3.05	14.29	74.48
2015	% of candidates	0.45	1.59	1.81	3.40	9.30	12.70	70.75

Subject Feedback

The vast majority of the syllabus areas have been very well handled. The following represents a few important areas that candidates appear to be inadequately prepared. They are:

• Cloud types and associated hazards.
• Hazards presented by thunderstorms and precipitation.
• Synoptic meteorology
• Clear air turbulence
• Jet streams – location and strength

Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) Navigation exam - ANAV

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for ANAV is 90 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is 86 minutes. CASA assesses the allocated time as correct but will continue to closely monitor candidates’ performance in this exam.

Pass percentage & pass rate

The percentage score required for a pass is 70%. The pass rate for the ANAV in 2013 was 69.74%, in 2014 it was 66.45%, in 2015 it was 64.29%.

ANAV	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	8.90	5.41	10.02	9.22	6.36	15.90	44.20
2015	% of candidates	9.09	5.84	9.31	11.47	10.17	16.23	37.88

Subject Feedback

The vast majority of the syllabus areas have been satisfactorily handled. The following represents a few of the important areas that candidates appear to be inadequately prepared. They are:

• True altitude calculations
• Determine TAS given CAS and PHt or MN and temperature
• Determine the position of CP, PNR, LPSD for normal and abnormal operations
• Radio wave propagation characteristics, MF, HF, VHF and UHF transmission
• Conversion from LMT/LST to UTC and vice-versa, & LST arrival/departure calculations for flights across time zones

Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) (aeroplane) Aerodynamics & Aircraft Systems exam - AASA

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for AASA is 90 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is 57 minutes. CASA has assessed that the allocated time is more than adequate.

Pass percentage & pass rate

The percentage score required for a pass is 70%. The pass rate for the AASA in 2013 was 69.75%, in 2014 it was 70.34%, in 2015 it was 68.33%.

AASA	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	5.04	3.73	10.45	10.45	25.93	13.62	30.78
2015	% of candidates	6.56	3.85	10.41	10.86	23.30	12.44	32.58

Subject Feedback

The vast majority of the syllabus areas have been satisfactorily handled. The following represents a few of the important areas that candidates appear to be inadequately prepared. They are:

• Glass cockpit symbology and associated warnings and cautions
• Hydraulic systems components and operations
• Effect of wing sweep on aircraft performance, including MCRIT, VS and values for CL and CD.
• Forces acting in flight, for maximum angle/rate of climb, range and endurance
• Asymmetric flight
• Flight controls - flying tail

Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) (helicopter) Aerodynamics & Aircraft Systems exam - AASH

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for AASH is 90 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is 53 minutes. CASA has assessed that the allocated time is excessive and will either reduce the allocated time or/and increase the number of questions.

Pass percentage & pass rate

The percentage score required for a pass is 70%. The pass rate for the AASH in 2013 was 74.17%, in 2014 it was 74.41 and in 2015 it was 80.43%.

AASH	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	5.81	3.49	9.30	6.98	26.74	12.79	34.88
2015	% of candidates	0.00	2.17	4.35	13.04	19.56	10.87	50.00

Subject Feedback

The vast majority of the syllabus areas have been satisfactorily handled. The following represents a few of the important areas that candidates appear to be inadequately prepared. They are:

• Aerodynamics – stability
• Hydraulic systems – functions of components
• Air supply systems – availability of services

Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) (aeroplane) Performance & Loading - APLA

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for APLA is 150 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is 131 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 APLA in 2013 was 84.36%, in 2014 it was 85.45% and in 2015 it was 78.65%.

APLA	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	2.82	2.11	4.23	5.40	10.33	23.71	51.41
2015	% of candidates	2.63	2.92	7.02	8.77	10.23	18.42	50.00

Subject Feedback

The vast majority of the syllabus areas have been satisfactorily handled. The following represents a few of the important areas where candidates may require better preparations. They are:

• Determine take-offs or landing performance, MTOW, EOL, average take-off EPR value, MLW etc
• Load sheet workings, lines inaccurately drawn and incorrect weight calculations
• Determine CG position, % MAC for take-off, landing or after a change in load.
• Determine effects of temperature, weight or engine failure on cruise level.
• Difference between stopway and clearway
• Consequences of rotating before Vr
• Factors determining and affected by V1

Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) (helicopter) Performance & Loading - APLH

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for APLH is 150 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is 127 minutes. CASA has assessed that the allocated time is adequate.

Pass percentage & pass rate

The percentage score required for a pass in The APLH is 70%. The pass rate for APLH in 2013 was 86.84%, in 2014 it was 88.06% and in 2015 it was 91.18%.

APLH	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 5	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	2.99	1.49	2.99	4.48	4.48	2.99	80.60
2015	% of candidates	0.00	2.94	2.94	2.94	20.59	11.76	58.82

Subject Feedback

The vast majority of the syllabus areas have been satisfactorily handled. The following represents a few of the important areas where candidates may require better preparations. They are:

• determine CG limits for take off, cruise and landing
• determine adjustments required to the payload to permit operations within CG limits
• determine movement of CG due to fuel consumption in flight

Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) (aeroplane) Flight Planning - AFPA

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for AFPA is 180 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is 175 minutes. CASA assesses the allocated time as correct but will continue to closely monitor candidates’ performance in this exam.

Pass percentage & pass rate

The percentage score required for a pass is 70%. The pass rate for the AFPA in 2013 was 39.08%, in 2014 it was 43.47%, in 2015 it was 45.02% including 6 candidates who scored 100%.

AFPA	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	27.15	7.57	12.27	9.53	12.53	8.61	22.32
2015	% of candidates	29.89	7.12	9.61	8.36	14.77	6.94	23.31

Subject Feedback

The vast majority of the syllabus areas have been satisfactorily handled. The following represents a few of the important areas where candidates may require better preparations. They are:

• Determine highest cruise level for abnormal operations
• Determine maximum payload at planning
• Determine landing weight for abnormal operations
• Determine the position of a PNR, whether Normal Operations or Abnormal operations (PNR/DP, PNR/1 IN-OP)
• Ground speed and fuel policy erros were common in most exams where the candidates work was reviewed.

Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) (helicopter) Flight Planning - AFPH

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for AFPH is 180 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is 145 minutes. 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 AFPH in 2013 was 90.57%, in 2014 it was 85.14%, in 2015 it was 84.61% including 6 candidates who scored 100%..

AFPH	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	5.41	2.70	1.35	5.41	14.86	8.11	62.16
2015	% of candidates	2.56	0.00	7.69	5.13	5.13	12.82	66.66

Subject Feedback

The vast majority of the syllabus areas have been satisfactorily handled. The following represents a few of the important areas where some candidates could have offered better preparations. They are:

• Calculation of OEI PNR.
• Calculation of PNR.
• Calculation of total fuel required.

Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) (Aeroplane & Helicopter) Conversion exams - AOSA & AOSH

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for both AOSA and AOSH is 180 minutes each. CASA assessed the allocated time for both current exam loadings as adequate.

Pass percentage & pass rate

The percentage score required for a pass is 80%. The pass rate for AOSA in 2014 was 40% and in 2015 it was 69.23%. No candidates attempted the AOSH exam and in 2014 only 2 attempts were made in 2015 for a pass rate of 50%..

AOSA	Score band	0 - 54	55 – 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	0.00	0.00	20.00	0.00	20.00	20.00	40.00
2015	% of candidates	0.00	7.69	0.00	0.00	15.38	7.69	69.23
AOSH	Score band	0 - 54	55 – 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
2015	% of candidates	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	50.00	0.00	50.00

Subject Feedback

Due to the extremely low number of exam sittings, the performance report was not available.

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 2013 was 65.53%, in 2014 it was 67.31% and in 2015 it was 69.62%.

IREX	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	6.84	6.08	8.78	10.99	12.79	16.31	38.22
2015	% of candidates	6.23	5.40	7.96	10.80	13.56	17.30	38.75

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:

• Determination of fuel required.
• DAPS procedures and navigation aid requirements
• Visual approach requirements
• 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.

Private Instrument Rating exam - PIFR

Exam Time

The CASA allocated time for PIFR is 120 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 PIFR in 2014 was 66.67% and in 2015 it was 100%.

PIFR	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	16.67	0.00	16.67	0.00	16.67	16.67	33.33
2015	% of candidates	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	100.00

Only five candidates attempted this exam in 2015.

Subject Feedback

Due to the extremely low number of exam sittings, the performance report was not available.

Pilot Instructor Rating exam – PIRC

Exam Time.

This is a new exam introduced by Part 61. The CASA allocated time for PIRC is 120 minutes. The average time taken for candidates to complete the exam is 54 minutes.

Pass percentage & pass rate.

The percentage score required for a pass is 75%. The pass rate for PIRC in 2014 was 80.49%.

PIRC	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	0.82	0.00	1.64	1.64	15.57	16.39	63.93
2015	% of candidates	0.50	1.01	4.03	6.80	15.37	17.13	55.16

Subject Feedback

Due to the extremely low number of exam sittings, the performance report was not available..

Aerial Application rating exams – AGRA & AGRH

Exam Time

The CASA allocated times for both AGRA and AGRH are 120 minutes each. The average times taken for candidates to complete the AGRA and AGRH exams were recorded as 108 and 101 minutes respectively. CASA has assessed that the allocated times are adequate.

Pass percentage & pass rate

The percentage score required for a pass is 75% in each exam. The pass rates for AGRA and AGRH in 2013 were 60.00% and 100% respectively, in 2014 they were 61.54% and 57.14% respectively, in 2015 they were 53.33% and 52.00% respectively.

AGRA	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	0.00	0.00	7.69	7.69	23.08	15.38	46.15
2015	% of candidates	6.67	6.67	6.67	13.33	13.33	40.00	13.33
AGRH	Score band	0 - 54	55 - 59	60 - 64	65 - 69	70 - 74	75 - 79	80+
2014	% of candidates	4.76	4.76	19.05	4.76	9.52	28.57	28.57
2015	% of candidates	0.00	8.00	8.00	16.00	16.00	24.00	28.00

There were only 13 attempts at AGRA and 21 attempts with the AGRH exam in this period.

Subject Feedback

Due to the extremely low number of exam sittings, the performance report was not available.