RPL Exam Topics: Complete Breakdown with Study Priorities

The CASA RPL theory exam covers 10 main topic areas across a series of multiple-choice questions, which you must complete in 2 hours with a 70% pass mark. The exact number of questions is not publicly specified by CASA, and it may vary between exam sittings. Not all topics carry equal weight — here's exactly what to study and how to prioritise your time.

Quick reference: topic weighting

Based on the CASA Day VFR Syllabus, approximate topic weighting is:

• Aerodynamics — High priority
• Engines — Medium priority
• Instruments — Medium priority
• Meteorology — High priority (hardest topic)
• Navigation — Medium priority
• Regulations — High priority
• Performance — High priority (free marks if practised)
• Loading — Medium priority
• Human Factors — Medium priority
• Flight Rules — Medium priority

1. Aerodynamics — high priority

Aerodynamics underpins everything you do as a pilot. The exam tests both fundamental principles and their practical application.

Key topics to study

• The four forces of flight: lift, weight (gravity), thrust, drag
• How wings generate lift (Bernoulli's principle and angle of attack)
• Stall — what causes it, how it feels, and how to recover
• Factors affecting stall speed: bank angle, weight, flap setting
• Effect of flaps on lift, drag, and stall speed
• Stability — longitudinal, lateral, and directional
• Load factor and its effect on stall speed in turns
• Torque, P-factor, and other propeller effects

Common question types

• "What happens to the stall speed when the aircraft is banked at 45°?"
• "Which factor has the greatest effect on lift?"
• "What is the primary cause of a spin?"

Study tip

Don't just memorise — understand the physics. Questions are scenario-based and you need to be able to apply principles, not just recall definitions. The stall and load factor relationship is particularly common. See our aerodynamics study guide for more on lift and drag.

2. Engines — medium priority

The exam focuses on piston engines as used in training aircraft (typically Cessna 152 or Piper Warrior). Turbine engines are not tested at RPL level.

Key topics to study

• The four-stroke cycle (induction, compression, power, exhaust)
• Carburettor icing — when it occurs, symptoms, and use of carburettor heat
• Mixture control — why and when you lean the mixture
• Engine cooling — air cooling systems, cylinder head temperature
• Fuel systems — fuel grades (AVGAS 100LL), fuel contamination, sumping
• Magnetos and ignition system — why there are two, what the magneto check tests
• Oil system — what oil pressure and temperature indicate about engine health
• Alternator failure indications — a zero reading on a left-zero ammeter (loadmeter), or a continuous discharge on a centre-zero ammeter

Common question types

• "At what conditions is carburettor ice most likely to form?"
• "What does a rough engine and drop in RPM indicate when carburettor heat is applied?"
• "What colour is AVGAS 100LL?"

Study tip

Carburettor icing questions are almost guaranteed to appear. The VFRG states that carburettor icing risk can be high even with no visible moisture and an outside air temperature (OAT) of up to 38°C — it's not limited to cold days. Know the conditions (high humidity, reduced power settings are particularly risky across a wide temperature range), symptoms (RPM drop, rough running), and the correct procedure for applying carburettor heat.

3. Instruments — medium priority

The exam tests your understanding of how cockpit instruments work and, critically, how errors occur.

Key topics to study

• Pitot-static instruments: airspeed indicator (ASI), altimeter, vertical speed indicator (VSI)
• Gyroscopic instruments: attitude indicator (AI), heading indicator (HI), turn coordinator
• The magnetic compass — acceleration/deceleration errors, turning errors, ANDS/ONUS rules
• Altimeter setting — QNH, QNE, how density altitude differs from pressure altitude
• Blockages — what happens to each instrument if the pitot tube or static port is blocked
• Instrument errors and limitations

Common question types

• "What happens to the ASI if the pitot tube is blocked?"
• "Which instruments are affected by a blocked static port?"
• "What error does the magnetic compass show when turning through south in the southern hemisphere?"

Study tip

Memorise the compass error rules for the southern hemisphere (opposite to the northern hemisphere). Pitot-static blockage questions are high-value and follow a logical pattern once you understand the system.

4. Meteorology — high priority (hardest topic)

Meteorology consistently challenges students the most. It covers the widest range of theory and requires solid understanding, not just memorisation. Start studying this topic early and return to it regularly.

Key topics to study

• The atmosphere — layers, temperature lapse rate, ISA (International Standard Atmosphere)
• Pressure systems — highs, lows, ridges, troughs, and associated weather
• Fronts — cold fronts, warm fronts, and occluded fronts (different weather patterns with each)
• Wind — sea breezes, thermal winds, gradient wind, wind shear
• Buys Ballot's Law in the Southern Hemisphere — stand with your back to the wind and low pressure is to your right
• Cloud types — cumulus, stratus, cumulonimbus, cirrus — and what weather each indicates
• Fog — radiation fog, advection fog, steam fog — conditions required for each
• Thunderstorms — formation, hazards (turbulence, lightning, downdraughts, hail)
• Turbulence — convective, mechanical, orographic, clear air turbulence (CAT)
• Icing — types (rime, clear), conditions, aircraft effects
• METAR and TAF interpretation — how to read weather reports and forecasts (including weather codes such as PO)

Common question types

• "What type of weather is associated with a cold front passage?"
• "At what temperature and dew point spread is fog most likely?"
• "What does CAVOK mean in a METAR?"

Study tip

Use the process of elimination. If you know basic meteorological principles (warm air rises, cold air sinks, air flows from high to low pressure), you can eliminate clearly wrong answers on unfamiliar questions. Study METAR and TAF abbreviations — they come up regularly. Remember that in the Southern Hemisphere, wind circulates clockwise around a low-pressure system.

5. Navigation — medium priority

Navigation tests your ability to read maps, understand compass headings, and solve basic flight planning calculations.

Key topics to study

• VTC (Visual Terminal Chart) and VNC (Visual Navigation Chart) — how to read them, and what symbols mean
• True north vs magnetic north vs compass north
• Variation and deviation — how to apply them to get compass heading
• Track, heading, and drift — the relationship between them and wind
• Time/speed/distance calculations
• The 1-in-60 rule for track corrections
• Controlled and uncontrolled airspace on charts

Common question types

• "If magnetic variation is 10°E and compass deviation is +2°, what is the compass heading for a true track of 270°?"
• "How long will it take to fly 90 NM at a ground speed of 90 kt?"

Study tip

Learn the variation/deviation formula: True Track → Magnetic Track → Compass Heading (apply variation then deviation). This calculation appears in almost every exam. Practise it until it's automatic.

6. Regulations — high priority

Regulation questions are pure memorisation — you either know the specific number, altitude, or rule, or you don't. The good news is these are easy marks if you study them. Note that Australian aviation regulations transitioned to Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) Part 91 (commenced December 2021), so study from current references.

Key topics to study

• Airspace classification — Classes A, C, D, E, and G — and what's required to enter each
• Class A airspace — VFR flight requires specific approval under CASR 91.285
• Minimum heights over populous areas (CASR 91.265, MOS 12.01): 1,000 ft above the highest obstacle within a 600 m radius of any point on the ground directly below the aircraft
• Minimum heights over non-populous areas (CASR 91.267, MOS 12.02): 500 ft within a 300 m radius of any point on the ground directly below the aircraft
• Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) — minimum visibility and cloud clearances for each airspace class (see Flight Rules section below)
• Right-of-way rules — who gives way to whom
• Speed limits in controlled airspace and near aerodromes
• Radio requirements — when you must call, what frequencies, CTAF procedures
• Documents required on board (CASR Part 91)
• RPL privileges and limitations — aircraft ≤1,500 kg Maximum Take-off Weight (MTOW), single engine, non-turbine, day VFR only, 25 NM radius, passenger rules
• MTOW — as specified in the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness
• VFR day fuel reserve for piston/turboprop aircraft ≤5,700 kg: 30 minutes (night VFR requires 45 minutes)
• Maintenance release requirements — exempt for VFR day flights within 50 NM of departure
• Photographic ID — an ASIC (Aviation Security Identification Card) is accepted as photographic ID per the VFRG
• Windsock indications — fully extended indicates approximately 25–30 kt; at 45° indicates approximately 15 kt

Common question types

• "What is the minimum height for flight over a populous area?"
• "What is the speed limit below 10,000 ft in Class G airspace?"
• "An RPL holder is authorised to fly within what radius of their departure aerodrome?"

Study tip

Make a cheat sheet of the key numbers (250 KIAS below 10,000 ft, 200 KIAS within Class D, 25 NM RPL radius, 30 min day VFR fuel reserve, etc.) and drill them repeatedly. Regulation questions reward rote memorisation.

7. Performance — high priority (free marks if practised)

Performance questions use charts (graphs) to calculate real-world aircraft performance. They look intimidating but follow a completely predictable method. Once you've practised the technique, these become the most reliable marks on the exam.

Key topics to study

• Figure 3 — Takeoff Distance Required chart
• Figure 4 — Landing Distance Required chart
• How to apply corrections for headwind/tailwind, slope, and surface conditions
• Safety factors — weight-based factors per Part 91 (e.g., 1.15 for aircraft ≤2,000 kg up to 1.43 for landing at ≥4,500 kg)
• Density altitude — how temperature and pressure altitude affect performance
• Climb performance — how weight, temperature, and altitude affect rate of climb
• Wake turbulence avoidance — when departing behind a larger aircraft, aim to lift off before the larger aircraft's lift-off point

Common question types

• "Using Figure 3, what is the takeoff distance required from a dry grass strip at an elevation of 1,500 ft, temperature 30°C, with a 10 kt headwind and a 2% upslope?"
• "What effect does a 10% increase in weight have on takeoff distance?"

Study tip

Practise the chart method step by step, every time. Start from the left side of the chart, follow each variable systematically, and apply correction and safety factors at the end. Use The Pilot Exam's interactive chart tool to practise Figure 3 and Figure 4 with immediate feedback.

8. Loading — medium priority

Loading covers weight and balance — ensuring the aircraft is loaded within its safe limits before flight.

Key topics to study

• Maximum take-off weight (MTOW) — as specified in the certificate of airworthiness — and why exceeding it is dangerous
• Centre of gravity (CG) — what it is, why it matters, forward vs aft CG effects
• How to calculate total weight and CG position using moments
• The loading graph — how to plot a point and determine if loading is within limits
• Effect of fuel burn on CG during flight

Common question types

• "What effect does a forward CG have on aircraft handling?"
• "Using the loading graph, is this aircraft within the CG envelope?"

Study tip

Understand the concept: a forward CG makes the aircraft stable but nose-heavy (higher stall speed, reduced performance); an aft CG reduces stability and is more dangerous. The graph questions use the same method as performance charts — systematic and practicable.

9. Human factors — medium priority

Human factors covers how the human body and mind respond to flying, and how these responses affect safety.

Key topics to study

• Hypoxia — types (histotoxic, hypoxic, anaemic), symptoms (including blue lips/fingernails — cyanosis), effects, treatment
• Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning — a form of histotoxic/anaemic hypoxia. Key symptom: cherry-red lips (not blue — blue lips indicate hypoxia from other causes)
• Hyperventilation — symptoms (very similar to hypoxia), cause, treatment
• Spatial disorientation — why it happens, the leans, graveyard spiral
• Vision — how night vision works, the danger of staring at a fixed point
• Fatigue — physiological and psychological effects on pilot performance
• Stress and its effects on decision-making
• IMSAFE checklist — Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Eating
• Pilot decision-making models

Common question types

• "What is the treatment for suspected hyperventilation?"
• "A pilot experiencing spatial disorientation should do what?"
• "Which type of hypoxia is caused by carbon monoxide poisoning?"
• "What is a distinctive sign of carbon monoxide poisoning?"

Study tip

Know the difference between hypoxia and hyperventilation — their symptoms are very similar but treatments differ. This confusion is commonly tested. Also remember the distinctive sign of CO poisoning (cherry-red lips) versus general hypoxia (blue lips/cyanosis). Spatial disorientation questions generally have the same answer: trust your instruments, not your body.

10. Flight rules — medium priority

Flight rules cover the practical rules for flying — right-of-way, circuit procedures, VMC minima, and how aircraft interact with each other and with the ground environment.

Key topics to study

• Visual flight rules (VFR) — when you can fly, what conditions are required
• VMC minima by airspace class:
  • Class G below 3,000 ft AMSL or 1,000 ft AGL (whichever is higher): clear of cloud, in sight of ground/water, 5,000 m visibility
  • Class G above 3,000 ft AMSL or 1,000 ft AGL (whichever is higher) but below 10,000 ft: 5,000 m visibility, 1,500 m horizontal and 1,000 ft vertical from cloud
  • Class G/C/E at or above 10,000 ft: 8 km visibility, 1,500 m horizontal and 1,000 ft vertical from cloud
  • Class D (all heights): 5,000 m visibility, 600 m horizontal from cloud, 1,000 ft above cloud, 500 ft below cloud
• Right-of-way — the hierarchy (balloons → gliders → airships → powered aircraft → anything being overtaken)
• Converging aircraft — which gives way and how
• Circuit procedures — standard circuit direction, leg names (upwind, crosswind, downwind, base, final)
• Wake turbulence — what it is, where it goes, how to avoid it (when departing behind a larger aircraft, lift off before the larger aircraft's lift-off point)
• Emergency procedures — general priorities (aviate, navigate, communicate)
• CTAF and non-controlled aerodrome procedures

Common question types

• "Two aircraft are converging at the same altitude. Which one gives way?"
• "An aircraft overtaking another aircraft in the circuit should pass on which side?"
• "What is the standard circuit direction at a non-controlled aerodrome?"
• "What are the VMC minima in Class G airspace below 3,000 ft?"

Study tip

The right-of-way hierarchy is tested regularly — memorise the order. Converging questions always follow the same logic: the aircraft with the other on its right gives way. The standard circuit is left-hand unless specified otherwise. Make sure you know the VMC minima for each airspace class — these are commonly tested and easy marks once memorised.

Recommended study order

Based on difficulty and topic weighting, study in this order:

1. Meteorology — Start here. Hardest topic, needs the most time.
2. Regulations — Pure memorisation, builds the rules framework you'll use across all other topics.
3. Aerodynamics — Essential understanding, high question count.
4. Performance — Practise the chart method first, then lock it in with repeated problems.
5. Instruments — Logical once you understand the pitot-static and gyroscopic systems.
6. Engines — Memorise carburettor icing conditions (risk up to 38°C OAT), then the rest follows.
7. Navigation — Learn the variation/deviation formula and practise it.
8. Flight Rules — Memorise VMC minima and the right-of-way hierarchy.
9. Loading — Straightforward method once practised.
10. Human Factors — Mostly common sense with specific definitions to memorise.

About the RPL exam

The RPL theory exam is administered by CASA (via their approved exam providers). You'll sit the exam at an approved testing centre — not at your flight school. The exam costs $189.53 ($124.53 invigilator fee + $65 CASA fee), you have 2 hours to complete it, and you need 70% to pass.

Start practising by topic

Use The Pilot Exam to practise topic-by-topic. Our 1,000+ questions are tagged by subject so you can drill exactly the areas where you're weakest. Track your performance across all topics and identify gaps before exam day.

Related Resources

• RPL Aerodynamics Guide
• RPL Meteorology Guide
• RPL Navigation Guide
• RPL Human Factors Guide
• RPL Engines Guide
• RPL Weight & Balance Guide