RPL Exam Questions and Answers: Sample Questions from the CASA Theory Test

The CASA RPL theory exam has 37 multiple-choice questions drawn from 10 topic areas. Questions test your ability to apply knowledge, not just recall it. Here's what to expect — with sample questions and worked answers for the most commonly tested areas.

What do RPL exam questions look like?

Each question has four answer options (A, B, C, D). You need to select the best answer. Questions range from straightforward recall ("What is the RPL pass mark?") to scenario-based application ("Given these conditions, what takeoff distance is required?").

Performance chart questions provide you with a chart and ask you to read off a value or apply corrections. These are not memory questions — you work them out from the chart in front of you.

Sample questions by topic

Aerodynamics

The aerodynamics section tests your understanding of the forces acting on an aircraft, stall behaviour, and how load factor affects performance. The following questions represent the style and difficulty you can expect.

Question 1: An aircraft is in a 60° banked level turn. Compared to straight-and-level flight at the same speed, the stall speed will:

• A) Remain the same
• B) Decrease
• C) Increase
• D) Depend on whether the turn is left or right

Answer: C — Increase. In a banked turn, the load factor increases. At 60° bank, load factor is 2G. Stall speed increases with the square root of the load factor — at 2G, stall speed increases by approximately 41%. This is why steep turns are dangerous at low airspeed.

Question 2: What is the primary cause of an aerodynamic stall?

• A) Insufficient engine power
• B) Exceeding the critical angle of attack
• C) Flying too slowly in straight-and-level flight
• D) Encountering a downdraft

Answer: B — Exceeding the critical angle of attack. A stall occurs when the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack (~15–20°), causing airflow to separate from the upper surface. It can happen at any speed and any attitude — the key is the angle, not the speed.

Meteorology

Meteorology is one of the highest-weighted sections in the RPL exam. Expect questions on weather systems, carburettor icing, and the interpretation of aviation weather reports.

Question 3: Carburettor icing is most likely to occur in which conditions?

• A) Cold, dry air and high power setting
• B) Warm, moist air and reduced power setting
• C) Cold, dry air at high altitude
• D) Hot, dry air on the ground

Answer: B — Warm, moist air and reduced power setting. Carburettor icing occurs when moist air cools as it passes through the carburettor venturi. High humidity and temperatures between 0°C and 25°C are the danger zone. Reduced power means less heat, so the icing risk is highest at cruise or glide power settings.

Question 4: A METAR report shows conditions as CAVOK. This means:

• A) The airport is closed due to fog
• B) Visibility is 10 km or more, no cloud below 5,000 ft, and no significant weather
• C) Visibility is unrestricted but there is cloud above 10,000 ft
• D) Visibility is below minima for visual flight

Answer: B. CAVOK (Ceiling And Visibility OK) means: visibility ≥10 km, no cloud below 5,000 ft AGL or the MSA (whichever is higher), and no significant weather (no precipitation, thunderstorm, shallow fog, or low drifting snow).

Regulations

Regulations questions cover your privileges and limitations as an RPL holder, airspace rules, and right-of-way requirements. This is frequently tested in the CASA exam.

Question 5: An RPL holder may exercise the privileges of their licence within what radius of their departure aerodrome?

• A) 50 nautical miles
• B) 25 nautical miles
• C) There is no radius restriction
• D) 10 nautical miles

Answer: B — 25 nautical miles. This is a core RPL limitation. RPL pilots may fly within 25 NM of their departure aerodrome. To fly further, they would need a cross-country endorsement or upgrade to a PPL.

Performance charts

Performance chart questions require you to interpret a provided chart and apply corrections for variables such as temperature, pressure altitude, and wind. Practice the method until you can read charts accurately and quickly.

Question 6: Using Figure 3 (Takeoff Distance Required), which of the following factors will increase the takeoff distance?

• A) Headwind component
• B) Lower pressure altitude
• C) Higher outside air temperature
• D) Lower aircraft weight

Answer: C — Higher outside air temperature. Higher temperature reduces air density (density altitude increases), which reduces lift and engine performance, requiring more distance. A headwind reduces takeoff distance. Lower pressure altitude and lower weight both reduce takeoff distance.

How the real exam differs from practice questions

CASA exam questions are drawn directly from the Day VFR Syllabus and are not published in advance. However, the question styles and topics are consistent. Key differences to be aware of:

• Wording variations: The same knowledge is often tested with different phrasing. Understand the concept, not just the answer.
• Multiple correct-seeming options: Several answers may be partly right. Choose the best answer — the most complete or most specific correct response.
• Chart accuracy: Performance chart questions require careful graph reading. Practice the method until you can read charts accurately and quickly.
• No partial marks: It's all or nothing per question. Don't leave any unanswered — if you're unsure, eliminate wrong answers and make your best choice.

Most commonly tested areas

Based on the syllabus distribution and student reports, these topics produce the most questions:

• Meteorology: ~5–6 questions — weather systems, fronts, fog, carburettor icing, METAR/TAF
• Regulations: ~4–5 questions — airspace, RPL limitations, right-of-way, speeds
• Aerodynamics: ~4–5 questions — stall, load factor, forces on aircraft
• Performance: ~4–5 questions — Figure 3, Figure 4, takeoff/landing distance

How to practise effectively

The most effective preparation combines structured study with regular timed practice. Work through the topics in order, then shift to targeted drilling once you know where your weak areas are.

1. Topic-by-topic study — understand each area before testing yourself
2. Targeted practice questions — drill the topics where you're weakest
3. Timed full mock exams — simulate the real exam at 37 questions in 90 minutes
4. Review incorrect answers — don't just move on; understand why each wrong answer was wrong

The Pilot Exam has 1,000+ RPL and PPL practice questions, including interactive performance chart practice that simulates Figure 3 and Figure 4 just like the real CASA exam. Track your performance by topic to find and fix your weak areas before exam day.

Related Resources

• RPL Practice Exam Guide
• BAK Practice Questions
• RPL Exam Topics