The exam format
PPL aeronautical knowledge is covered by a single CASA exam — PPLA for aeroplane, PPLH for helicopter. It uses specified permitted materials, includes multiple-choice and whole-number-entry questions, allows 3.5 hours, and requires a 70% pass mark. CASA's current exam pages do not state a fixed question count. A mark below 100% but above 51% produces a Knowledge Deficiency Report identifying deficient competency standards.
The paper is drawn from the Part 61 MOS Schedule 3 knowledge units — one combined exam, not one per unit. That's the standard PilotIQ's question bank is grounded in.
How it differs from the RPL exam
If you've sat the RPL exam, the PPL paper will feel familiar in shape but deeper in three places — because the licence itself goes further:
Navigation & flight planning
The PPL removes the RPL's 25 nm area restriction, so real cross-country navigation — planning, wind triangles, fuel, alternates, chart work — carries far more weight.
Meteorology depth
Longer flights mean weather decisions matter more. Expect deeper met theory and applied forecast interpretation than the RPL asked of you.
Controlled airspace & operations
PPL privileges include controlled airspace and controlled aerodromes, so procedures, clearances and airspace knowledge step up accordingly.
A study approach that works
The single-paper format rewards breadth first, depth second. Work through the theory area by area rather than living in your favourite subject, and practise questions as you go — with PilotIQ, every question is explained, so each wrong answer points you at the exact piece of theory to revisit instead of leaving you guessing.
Once your per-area readiness is consistently above the pass mark, switch to timed mock exams aligned to CASA's published 3.5-hour duration and 70% pass standard. Pacing is a skill of its own, and it's much better learned at your desk than in the exam room. The live exam's question count and mix may differ.
The PilotIQ PPL track is $95 AUD for 6 months' access — no 3-month expiry — with 1,400+ practice questions across RPL and PPL, aeroplane and helicopter, the theory library, readiness tracking and the Core logbook included. See what's in the question bank.
PPL exam FAQs
How hard is the CASA PPL exam?
It's a genuine step up from the RPL: CASA allows 3.5 hours and requires a 70% pass mark. The exam uses specified permitted materials and includes multiple-choice and whole-number-entry questions. The difficulty comes less from any single question than from breadth — one paper reaches across navigation, meteorology, air law, performance and more, so patchy knowledge gets found out.
How long should I study for the PPL theory exam?
It varies with your background, but most candidates spend several weeks to a few months of steady study. A good pattern is to work through the theory area by area, practise questions with explanations as you go, and only sit timed mock exams once your per-area scores are consistently above the 70% pass mark.
What topics are in the PPL exam?
The paper is drawn from the Part 61 MOS Schedule 3 knowledge units and samples across the working knowledge areas — air law, meteorology, navigation and flight planning, aircraft general knowledge, aerodynamics, human factors, performance and loading, operations and radio — with noticeably more depth in navigation, meteorology and flight planning than the RPL.
Is the theory different for aeroplane and helicopter PPL?
The published duration and pass standard are the same — one exam, 3.5 hours, 70% — but you sit the paper for your category: PPLA for aeroplanes or PPLH for helicopters. The aircraft-specific content differs, so helicopter candidates need genuinely rotary questions. PilotIQ covers both categories with their own question sets.
What does PilotIQ PPL prep include?
The PPL track is $95 AUD for 6 months and includes practice questions with worked explanations across every knowledge area, timed mock exams aligned to CASA's published duration and pass standard, the plain-English theory library, readiness tracking by area, and the Core logbook. No 3-month expiry.
Get PPL-ready
Create a free account and unlock the full PPL track — $95 AUD for 6 months, aeroplane or helicopter.
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