RA-Aus BAK case studies
RA-Aus BAK · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Recreational Aviation Australia Basic Aeronautical Knowledge (RA-Aus BAK) is the ground-knowledge assessment that sits at the start of the recreational pilot pathway in Australia. It is aimed at student pilots training toward a recreational pilot certificate, and at anyone who wants a structured foundation before flying solo or progressing to further theory and practical tests. Preparation is typically organised around four study areas, each weighted equally in this profile: aviation fundamentals (the physics of flight, aircraft controls and basic performance), aircraft operation and flight training (pre-flight action, airborne procedures and human factors), safety and incident reporting (hazard identification, reporting culture and safety communication), and aircraft maintenance and technical knowledge (inspection, defects and airworthiness awareness). Candidates generally prepare through a flight training school syllabus, self-study with RAAus learning resources and practice questions, and briefing sessions with an instructor. The RA-Aus BAK case studies are 5 cases and about 2,591 words.
1Crosswind Limit at a Narrow Strip
You hold a Recreational Pilot Certificate with a crosswind endorsement limited to 12 kt. The strip is 480 m of dry grass, 18 m wide, oriented 09/27.
557 words, about 3 min2Engine Roughness After Fuel Uplift
You have just taken off from a rural strip after refuelling from a drum at the club shed. The drum was labelled as containing avgas but the label was faded and the drum had been standing outside for some months.
533 words, about 3 min3Instructor Pressure on a Marginal Weather Day
You are a student with 9.5 hours of dual instruction. Your instructor has booked a 1.5 hour navigation lesson.
517 words, about 3 min4A Hard Landing and the Reporting Decision
During a solo circuits session you land firmly on the main wheels. The touchdown feels hard, the aircraft bounces slightly, and you continue the landing without further incident.
473 words, about 2 min5Leaning and Mixture on a High Density Altitude Departure
You are departing a strip at 4,200 ft elevation on a hot day, with the temperature 30 degrees C, giving a density altitude near 6,500 ft. The strip is 700 m of sealed surface with rising terrain 1 nm beyond the departure end.
511 words, about 3 min