We have compiled a list of common knowledge deficient areas among student pilots. These are published statistics from CASA and are organised into specific areas for your convenience.
A full report can be found on the CASA website here.
RPL
• Glide speeds and lift/drag ratio
• Effect of wind shear on aircraft performance
• Interpretation of meteorological forecasts and requirements
• Local winds; sea breeze, land breeze, anabatic and katabatic winds, etc.
• Use of take-off and landing charts
• Correct use of the various loading systems (APLHA, BRAVO and CHARLIE)
RPLN
• A number of candidates had ground speed errors, i.e. basic navigation computer work
• Difficulties with time conversion
• Determine CAS, TAS, HDG, Ground speed and drift, i.e. basic navigation computer work
• Flight plan preparation
• Determine fuel requirements
• Determine requirements based on meteorological forecasts
PPL
• Correct use of the take-off and landing charts
• Determine time/distance and revision of estimates
• Calculate Density Height and/or Pressure Height
• Correct use of the various loading systems (ALPHA, BRAVO and CHARLIE)
• Interpretation of meteorological forecasts
CPL AGK
• Ammeter indications
• Recognition of different fuels
• Correct use of carburetor heat
• Turbo-chargers and associated engine handling
• Understanding of magneto operations and their failures
• Correct understanding of vibration, either in the main rotor or tail rotor – Helicopter only
CPL Performance
• Basic ground speed errors these affected a number of questions, including determine ETI or EST for positions such as CP (also called an ETP) or PNR
• Fuel policy requirements as per CAAP 234-1 (2.1)
• Aircraft speeds, TOSS, Va, Vne, manoeuvering speeds
• Determination of MTOW or TODR using the graphs in figures 3, 5 or 12
• Understanding of range and endurance and factors affecting
• Definitions of terms such as MAC, empty weight, ZFW, ramp weight, etc.
• Aeroplane Weight Limitations, Loading and Balance – the relationship between fuel carried, burned off and aeroplane weight limitations
CPL Aerodynamics
• Spoilers and vortex generators
• Knowledge of range and endurance flying
• Wing design – anhedral, dihedral, aspect-ratio, wash-out
• Factors affecting aircraft stability
• Flow dynamics – pressure changes with changes in angle of attack
• Take-off and landing – ‘ground effect’ and how it affects aeroplane performance
CPL Navigation
• Calculate a required ROC/ROD
• Understanding of latitude and longitude and associated problems
• Determine fuel requirements
CPL Meteorology
• Stability and how it affects the weather
• Winds, backing, veering and wind shear
• Air masses and fronts
• Inversions, fog and mist
• Thunderstorms and microbursts
• Decoding forecasts in particular TAFs including where a TAF3 service is provided where there are periods such as INTER, TEMPO and FM included
• Graphical Area Forecasts and Low Level GPWTs
• Area and aerodrome forecasts – It would appear that some candidates could have been misapplying the appropriate UTC time to the given flight scenario
CPL Human Factors
• Anatomy of the ear and eye
• Visual illusions on approach
• Physiological stress
• Undesired Aircraft State (UAS)
• Various classifications of threats and errors
• Various categories of countermeasures
• Managing Undesired Aircraft States
CPL Air Law
• Airspace requirements
• Classification of various operations, AWK, CHTR etc.
• Pilot maintenance requirements
• Rules of the air
• Tracking requirements
• Hot refueling requirements – Helicopter only

