PPL
Flight Test Theory Guide
(Aeroplane)

The Gap Between Theory Exam and Flight Test

You've studied for the theory exam. You've been flying. But the oral examination on flight test day is a different beast — it's not multiple choice, the topics are broader than the written exam, and the examiner expects you to articulate your knowledge in a structured conversation, not tick a box.

The PPL ground component covers everything from licence privileges and currency requirements to weight and balance calculations, performance planning, fuel requirements, aircraft systems, pilot maintenance authorisations, and more. Most students prepare thoroughly for the flight component but underestimate the ground component. They know the material somewhere in the back of their mind, but when the examiner asks them to explain a fuel planning scenario, walk through a weight and balance calculation, or describe how to determine whether a runway is long enough, the gaps show up fast.

This guide exists to close that gap. It walks you through exactly what the examiner will assess, the regulatory references behind each topic, and how to structure your answers so your knowledge comes across clearly and confidently.

What's Inside the Guide

Episode Guide

• Episode 1 — Introduction and What to Expect on Test Day The regulatory framework, structure of the ground component, how the examiner assesses you, competency-based assessment explained, and a complete document checklist covering proof of identity, medical certificate, theory results, English language proficiency, training records, ARN, and logbook requirements.
• Episode 2 — Privileges and Limitations of the PPL with Category Rating PPL privileges under CASR 61.505, the distinction between private and commercial operations, cost-sharing rules, multi-crew operation limitations under CASR 61.520, recent experience requirements under CASR 61.395 including the three take-off and three landing currency rule, flight review validity and the early renewal provision, and carriage of documents requirements.
• Episode 3 — Applicability of Drug and Alcohol Regulations The "affected by" provisions under CASR 91.790, the eight-hour alcohol rule, zero tolerance during flight, testable drugs under the Civil Aviation Alcohol and Drugs Instrument, prescription and over-the-counter medication considerations, and consequences of violations.
• Episode 4 — VFR Aircraft Instrument Requirements Minimum instruments for VFR day flight under CASR 91.265 and Part 91 MOS Chapter 26 — airspeed indicator, altimeter with adjustable subscale, magnetic compass, accurate timepiece, and additional requirements for aircraft with retractable gear or adjustable-pitch propellers. Pre-flight instrument verification and unserviceable instrument procedures.
• Episode 5 — Emergency Equipment Requirements Life jacket requirements for single-engine and multi-engine operations, wearing rules, life raft requirements, ELT carriage and exemptions, first aid kit requirements, and the full passenger briefing checklist under Part 91 MOS Chapter 20.
• Episode 6 — Requirements for Landing Areas and Aerodromes Key definitions (clearway, stopway, TODA, TORA, LDA), certified aerodromes versus alternative landing areas, Advisory Circular 91-02 guidance on dimensions, slopes, and surface conditions, and the regulatory requirements under CASR 91.410.
• Episode 7 — GNSS and its Use in VFR Navigation How GPS works, the satellite constellation and signal structure, RAIM and integrity monitoring, GPS accuracy and limitations, approved versus non-approved GNSS equipment, regulatory requirements for VFR GNSS use, and practical considerations for using GPS as a primary or supplementary navigation aid.
• Episode 8 — Fuel Planning and Oil Requirements Fuel and oil specifications, pre-flight fuel checks and contamination identification, the 30-minute VFR day fixed reserve requirement under Part 91 MOS Chapter 19, the variable reserve fuel requirement, the complete fuel planning process for cross-country flights, and in-flight fuel monitoring practices.
• Episode 9 — Loading and Unloading Fuel Refuelling safety requirements under Part 91 MOS Chapter 19 and Chapter 20, minimum distances for refuelling equipment, passenger and ignition source restrictions during refuelling, hot refuelling procedures, static electricity precautions, and fuel spill management.
• Episode 10 — Managing Passengers and Cargo Passenger seating and control seat rules, carriage of infants and children, cargo restraint requirements, weight and balance considerations under Part 91 MOS Chapter 21, and pilot-in-command passenger management responsibilities.
• Episode 11 — Aircraft Loading Systems Weight and balance fundamentals — datum, arm, moment, and centre of gravity calculations. The loading system process, CG envelope limits, forward and aft CG effects on aircraft handling and performance, and practical strategies for resolving out-of-limits loading scenarios.
• Episode 12 — Aircraft Performance and Landing Calculations Take-off and landing performance requirements under Part 91 MOS Chapter 24 and Chapter 25, TODA/TODR/LDA/LDR calculations, the 1.15 take-off distance factor, density altitude and its effect on performance, extracting data from flight manual performance charts, and the factors that degrade take-off and landing performance.
• Episode 13 — Pilot Maintenance Authorisations What maintenance a pilot is and is not authorised to perform, the specific tasks permitted under the regulations, maintenance release requirements, condition and conformity responsibilities, daily inspection obligations, and how to articulate maintenance knowledge to the examiner.
• Episode 14 — Aircraft Speed Limitations All critical V-speeds defined — VNE, VNO, VA, VFE, VLE, VS0, VS1, VX, VY, and VBE. Airspeed indicator colour coding, the relationship between manoeuvring speed and weight, structural speed limitations, and how to discuss speed limitations with confidence during the examination.
• Episode 15 — Aircraft Systems Piston engine principles and the four-stroke cycle, the dual ignition system, carburettor heat and induction icing, the fuel system, electrical system, pitot-static system and the effects of blockages, vacuum system, flight control system, landing gear and braking system, and communication and navigation equipment.
• Episode 16 — Closing Thoughts and Flight Test Preparation Key topics the examiner is most likely to assess, effective response strategies, how to handle questions you don't know, managing stress on the day, document preparation, error management, and practical tips for before, during, and after the ground component.