CPL Air Law case studies
CPL Air Law · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The CPL Air Law examination is a knowledge test that sits alongside the other theoretical subjects a candidate must pass before holding a Commercial Pilot Licence. It is aimed at pilots progressing from private to commercial privileges, and at those building towards an Airline Transport Pilot Licence, who need to show they understand the legal framework they operate inside rather than simply memorising a rulebook. The syllabus spans the international conventions that underpin civil aviation, licensing and ratings, rules of the air, air traffic services and airspace, aircraft operations and equipment, flight crew duty limitations, airworthiness and maintenance, aerodromes and ground operations, accident and incident investigation, and the national regulations that implement all of it. Questions are multiple choice and typically test application: a scenario is described and you must decide which rule governs it, which clearance applies, or which document is required. The CPL Air Law case studies are 5 cases and about 2,172 words.
1The Ferry Flight That Ran Out of Duty Day
A charter operator flies a twin turboprop on a domestic cargo run. The crew reports for duty at 05:40 local, having had 7 hours of rest.
500 words, about 3 min2Cleared Into the Wrong Airspace Class
A VFR pilot in a single-engine piston aircraft is transiting a corridor between two control zones. The aircraft has a Mode C transponder and a serviceable radio.
426 words, about 2 min3The Unrecorded Maintenance Release
A four-seat light aircraft is due for its annual inspection. The maintenance organisation completes the inspection and signs the maintenance release in the aircraft log.
388 words, about 2 min4The Investigation Report and the Pilot's Statement
A light aircraft suffers a runway excursion on landing, damaging the nose gear and a wingtip. There are no injuries.
420 words, about 2 min5Duty to Render Assistance Over Water
A private pilot flying a single-engine aircraft over a coastal area at 3,500 ft hears a distress call on the common frequency from a yacht taking on water. The pilot's aircraft carries a life raft, but the pilot has no training in sea rescue and the aircraft has no winch or hoist.
438 words, about 2 min