CPL Flight Planning exam-day guide
CPL Flight Planning · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo identification
Bring the exact ID document the provider requires (typically a current passport or government-issued photo ID). Confirm the accepted forms and name-matching rule with the provider in advance; if your licence name differs from your ID, ask how to handle it.
Admission or confirmation documentation
Carry your appointment confirmation, candidate number, or admission letter if one was issued. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is acceptable.
Approved electronic flight computer
Bring a battery-powered flight computer you are fluent with, plus spare batteries. Confirm with the provider which models and device types are permitted, since rules on programmable or stored-data devices vary.
Plotter and navigation tools
A rotating plotter, fine pencils, eraser, and a sharpener. Confirm with the provider whether a protractor, dividers, or similar tools are allowed.
Non-programmable calculator
Bring a basic calculator as a backup to the flight computer. Confirm with the provider what counts as non-programmable and whether calculators are permitted at all.
Current charts and reference documents
If the exam is open-book or supplies charts, confirm exactly which editions and documents are provided versus which you must bring. Do not assume your personal charts are allowed.
Exam-approved reference material
Ask the provider for the definitive list of permitted references (for example, regulations extracts or a flight planning formulary) and bring only those items.
Timing and arrival logistics
Confirm reporting time, location, and how early to arrive with the provider. Plan the journey with a buffer for traffic or weather and know the parking or transport options.
Rest and nutrition plan
Protect sleep in the days before and plan a normal meal and hydration on the day. Avoid unfamiliar caffeine or energy products that could affect concentration.
Break and facilities policy
Confirm with the provider whether breaks are permitted, whether they are timed or untimed, and what the procedure is for leaving the room. Mark this as needs_review until confirmed.
Scoring and pass criteria
Ask the provider for the marking scheme, pass mark, section weighting, and whether partial credit applies. Mark as needs_review until you have written confirmation.
Post-exam and retake policy
Confirm how and when results are issued, the appeal window, and any waiting period before a retake. Mark as needs_review until confirmed in writing.
Plan the day
Switch from learning new material to consolidation. Review your own summary sheets on mass and balance, fuel planning, chart work, and performance. Re-read the provider's candidate information so no administrative surprise remains. Confirm travel, ID, and permitted equipment in writing. Do two timed practice sessions under exam conditions, then stop heavy study each evening and protect sleep.
Do a light review of formulas and worked examples only; no new topics. Pack your bag: ID, confirmation, flight computer with spare batteries, plotter, pencils, eraser, calculator, and any permitted references. Check the venue route and reporting time. Eat normally, avoid alcohol, and aim for a full night's sleep. Re-read the rules on permitted items so nothing is confiscated at the door.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate moderately. Arrive with a buffer well before the reporting time. Keep the pre-exam review short: glance at key formulas and unit conversions, not full questions. Leave phones and smart devices switched off and stowed as instructed. Use the washroom before you are seated.
Read the instructions and check the time allowance and question count before starting. Do a first pass answering questions you are confident about, flagging the rest. Show your working for calculation questions so you can check units and magnitudes. Watch for traps such as unit mismatches, fuel versus time, and pressure altitude versus density altitude. Revisit flagged questions with remaining time, then check that every question has an answer before submitting.
Rules to check
Bring only the identification document the provider specifies, and ensure the name matches your enrolment. If there is any mismatch, resolve it with the provider before exam day rather than at the desk.
Use only equipment and reference material on the provider's permitted list. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, ask the provider in advance and leave it out if you cannot get confirmation.
Switch off and stow phones, smart watches, and any other electronic devices as directed. Do not keep any device on your person during the test.
Follow the invigilator's instructions on seating, starting, and finishing. Do not begin until told, and stop writing or clicking immediately when time is called.
Raise your hand if you need to leave the room, need assistance, or believe there is an error in a question. Do not communicate with other candidates at any point during the session.
Confirm the break policy with the provider before the exam; do not assume breaks are available or that the clock stops. If a break is permitted, note the time you leave and return.
Do not attempt to record, photograph, or remove any exam material. Treat question content as confidential.
Scoring, pass marks, and retake conditions vary by provider. Obtain the marking scheme and pass criteria in writing beforehand and treat any unconfirmed detail as needs_review.