About the CASA PPL Theory Exams
Before you can be issued a Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane), PPL(A), in Australia, you must pass a series of written theory exams administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) through the Aspeq examination system. Each exam covers a specific subject area relevant to safe private flying operations. All exams must be passed before you can complete your licence application, and they must be completed within a set timeframe from your first exam attempt.
The PPL(A) theory exams cover seven subjects:
- Air Law and Operational Procedures: CASR regulations, airspace classifications, ATC procedures, flight rules (VFR), pilot responsibilities, and aerodrome operations
- Navigation: chart reading, VOR and NDB navigation, dead reckoning, position fixing, ERSA, and flight planning
- Meteorology: weather systems, TAF and METAR decoding, wind and turbulence, icing, thunderstorms, and aviation weather products
- Aerodynamics and Theory of Flight: lift, drag, stall, stability, load factors, high-lift devices, and factors affecting performance
- General Aircraft Technical Knowledge: aircraft systems, engines, fuel, instruments, electrical systems, and airworthiness
- Flight Performance and Planning: weight and balance, take-off and landing performance, cruise performance, and fuel planning
- Human Factors: aviation physiology, hypoxia, spatial disorientation, fatigue, decision making, and crew resource management basics
Important: The pass mark for every CASA PPL theory exam is 70%. If you fail a subject, there is a compulsory 14-day waiting period before you can retake it. All PPL theory exams must be completed within 24 months of first sitting any subject, results expire after this window and must be retaken.
Key CASA PPL Theory Exam Facts to Know
- Pass mark: 70% for every subject, this applies consistently across all CASA theory exams
- Question count: Approximately 55–60 multiple-choice questions per subject exam
- Time limit: 3.5 hours per exam
- Examination system: Exams are delivered via Aspeq (formerly CATS) at approved test centres
- Retake waiting period: 14 days between attempts on any failed subject
- Exam validity window: All subjects must be passed within 24 months of your first attempt
- Air Law is critical: Understanding the CASR regulations and airspace classifications is tested heavily and underpins your ability to fly legally
- Meteorology is frequently failed: TAF/METAR decoding, weather pattern recognition and icing concepts are the most commonly failed areas
CASA does not publish practice exams or sample questions for PPL theory subjects. TestReady AU fills that gap with 100+ realistic questions across all seven subject areas, with step-by-step explanations for every answer.
| Feature | CASA / Aspeq Resources | TestReady AU |
|---|
| Practice questions | None | 100+ questions |
| All 7 PPL subjects | Not available | Air Law, Nav, Met, Aero, Tech, Perf, HF |
| Answer explanations | None | Every question |
| Instant feedback | No | Yes |
| Drill by subject | No | Yes |
Free sample: Try 5 randomly selected questions below. Use Drill Mode to target the subjects you find hardest, Meteorology and Air Law are where most candidates lose marks.
