CPL Navigation

The examination is delivered as multiple-choice questions. Beyond that, the specific item count, time allowance and structure are not confirmed in the material available to us, so treat any figure you see elsewhere as unverified until CASA publishes it. Confirm the current format with CASA or your flying school before booking.

It is generally considered demanding because it combines conceptual understanding with sustained numerical work: wind triangles, groundspeed and fuel calculations, chart reading and flight-planning decisions. Candidates who have not practised calculations to fluency often run short of time rather than knowledge. Build speed through repeated drills before sitting it.

Start with fundamentals: chart types and projections, the triangle of velocities, track and groundspeed, then dead reckoning and wind correction. Move on to radio navigation and GNSS principles, then integrate everything into full flight-planning exercises using current documentation. Finish with timed practice papers so the arithmetic and chart work become routine.

Typical problems include arithmetic slips in wind and fuel calculations, misreading chart scales or units, confusing track with heading, forgetting to apply variation and deviation correctly, and poor time management that leaves later questions unanswered. Candidates also lose marks by not checking that a computed answer is physically sensible before selecting it.

You should be comfortable using current aeronautical charts, the Aeronautical Information Publication, NOTAM material and operational flight plan layouts, as these underpin the flight-planning and documentation half of the syllabus. Use current editions only, since outdated charts and publications are a common source of error in both study and the exam.

There is no published minimum preparation period, and the right duration depends on your mathematics fluency and chart familiarity. As a practical approach, allow several weeks of regular study with at least two full timed practice runs before booking. Your flying school can advise based on your progress in ground training.

CASA sets the retake rules and any waiting periods, and those details were not available in the material used for this page. Do not assume a specific number of attempts or a fixed waiting time. Check the current CASA pilot and flight crew exams page or ask your flying school before relying on any figure.

The fee and any validity period are set by CASA and are not confirmed here, so no figures are given. Fees and validity conditions can change, so verify the current amounts and rules directly with CASA when you book. Your flying school can usually confirm what applies to your enrolment.

This is independent study material and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or published by CASA. It is intended to help you organise preparation. All official requirements, application steps, fees and results must come from CASA or your approved flying school, and you should always confirm details at the source.