Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations (PSTAR) key terms

The federal regulations that govern aviation in Canada, covering licensing, aircraft airworthiness, flight rules, airspace and operations. Pilots must know the parts that apply to their licence and aircraft.

The CARs standard that sets out the detailed requirements for flight crew licences and ratings, including experience, medical fitness and written examination standards.

The document that authorizes a person to fly solo under supervision after meeting age, medical, knowledge and flight training requirements. It is required before any solo flight.

A document issued by a civil aviation medical examiner confirming the holder meets the fitness standards for their licence category. It has an expiry date that depends on the category and the pilot's age.

The medical certificate category generally required for a private pilot licence. It involves a medical examination and has a validity period that shortens as the pilot gets older.

A licence that permits the holder to fly aircraft carrying passengers but not for hire or reward. It requires specified ground and flight training, experience and a written and flight test.

A permit allowing non-commercial day visual flight in specified light aircraft within Canada, with fewer training requirements than a private pilot licence but tighter operating limits.

The pilot responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft and crew during flight time. This person has final authority over the aircraft and is accountable for regulatory compliance.

A flight in which the student pilot is the sole occupant of the aircraft. It requires an endorsement from the supervising instructor and a valid student pilot permit and medical certificate.

The document that proves legal ownership and registration of the aircraft in Canada. It must be carried on board and kept current for the aircraft to be flown legally.

A document confirming that an aircraft meets its type design and is safe for flight, maintained under an approved program. It must be valid and on board during every flight.

The condition of an aircraft being safe and fit for flight, meeting its type design and maintenance requirements. The pilot is responsible for confirming airworthiness before each flight.

The aircraft record that documents flight times, maintenance releases and defects. It is carried on board and must be completed by the pilot for each flight.

A certification in the journey log that required maintenance has been completed and the aircraft is airworthy. It authorizes return to service after inspection or repair.

A systematic walk-around check of the aircraft before flight to confirm it is airworthy and safe. The pilot checks fuel, controls, surfaces, documents and known defects.

The calculation confirming that the aircraft's total weight and centre of gravity fall within approved limits for the planned flight. Exceeding limits can make the aircraft unsafe or uncontrollable.

Airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic control service is provided and in which some or all aircraft require a clearance. It includes control zones and terminal areas.

Controlled airspace around an aerodrome that extends from the surface up to a specified altitude. Aircraft normally need a clearance to enter or operate within it.

Controlled airspace in which all aircraft require an ATC clearance and radio communication, and where VFR aircraft are separated from IFR traffic. Transponders are generally required.

Controlled airspace in which aircraft require a clearance and radio communication, but VFR aircraft receive only traffic information rather than full separation from IFR traffic.

An authorization from air traffic control for an aircraft to proceed under specified conditions. It must be read back and complied with unless an amended clearance is obtained.

The pilot's repetition of key elements of an ATC clearance or instruction to confirm correct understanding. It is required for clearances, runway assignments and hold-short instructions.

A designated radio frequency at certain aerodromes where pilots must broadcast position reports before entering the area. It is not a control service and does not issue clearances.

A frequency used at uncontrolled aerodromes for pilots to announce position and intentions. Its use is often mandatory and it is not a control frequency.

An airborne radio device that replies to radar interrogations with a code and altitude, improving detection and separation. It is required in certain controlled airspace.

The rules under which a pilot operates by visual reference to the ground while maintaining specified cloud and visibility minima. VFR flights require adequate weather conditions.

Weather conditions in which visibility and distance from cloud meet the specified minima for visual flight. When conditions fall below these minima, VFR flight is not permitted.

The minimum visibility and cloud-clearance requirements for VFR flight, which vary with airspace class and altitude. Pilots must confirm these before departing.

The regulatory rule that determines which aircraft has priority in converging situations, such as the lower aircraft or the one on the right. It prevents collisions and sets consistent behaviour.

The lowest height at which an aircraft may be flown over built-up areas or other locations, except when taking off or landing. It protects people and property on the ground.

The standard altitude selected for the direction of flight, with eastbound tracks using odd thousands and westbound tracks using even thousands above a specified altitude. It reduces head-on conflict.

The standard traffic pattern flown around an aerodrome for landing, including downwind, base and final legs. It keeps arriving and departing aircraft organized and separated.

Moving an aircraft on the ground under its own power. The pilot must maintain a lookout, follow taxi clearances and hold-short instructions, and keep clear of runways unless authorized.

An ATC instruction requiring an aircraft to stop before a runway or taxiway and not proceed until cleared. The pilot must read back and comply exactly.

The planned actions a pilot takes when faced with a serious failure or threat, such as engine failure or fire. Drills are memorized and practiced so response is immediate.

The international radiotelephony distress signal used when an aircraft is in grave and imminent danger and needs immediate assistance. It has priority over all other communications.

The radiotelephony urgency signal used when an aircraft has a serious problem but is not in immediate danger. It alerts ATC and other aircraft to a developing situation.

A written report submitted to the transportation authority after an aviation occurrence such as an accident, incident or serious incident. It supports safety investigation and prevention.

The study of how human capabilities and limitations affect flight safety, including decision-making, workload, fatigue and communication. Understanding them helps pilots avoid errors.

A condition in which body tissues receive insufficient oxygen, causing impaired judgement, euphoria or confusion at altitude. Pilots must recognize symptoms and descend or use supplemental oxygen.

A pilot's accurate perception of the aircraft, environment and threats at a given moment. Losing it contributes to many accidents and is improved by monitoring and communication.