Have you wondered what it's like to sit an exam for a Pilots License? Whether you are sitting an exam for a PPL, CPL or even an ATPL. Whilst the PPL examinations are available at most flying schools, CASA has delegated Assement Services LTD for the these exams. When you are ready to sit your exam you simply go to https://www.aslexam.com/TOL/General/Main.aspx?sponsorid=5982 and book when and where you would like to do your exam at a cost of just under A$100
If you're like me, you would study like mad once you have made your booking. And do plenty of online practice exams purchased from the Bob Taits website http://www.bobtait.com.au/store/category3_1.htm These exams will make you feel confident for the "real exam" as they are set out exactly the same.
Usually you will have about 90min or more depending on the exam, to complete up to a 40 question multiple choice exam, however each subject will differ slightly. If it's a PPL exam you will only have 1 exam and I think from memory it's about 2-3 hrs. You will have plenty of time to complete these exams if you are well prepared!
If you are doing your CPL or ATPL you will have 7 subjects to pass within a 3 year period, starting from your 1st exam. If after 3 years you have not completed all 7 subjects then you must start all over again! So pace yourself:) To date I have completed 6 exams. They can all be completed within the 1st year, if you have the time and dedication.
I started with the easiest subjects being General knowledge, Human Factors, Aerodynamics, Air Law, Meteorology, Navigation and Performance and Planning last as this is the hardest subject.
So what's it like then? Make sure you're there at least 15min before hand. You need to have a proof of ID, your Pilots log book to prove you have passed your BAK and then sign in. You will then be allocated a computer. The room has several computers with each doing a specific exam. Each computer is evenly spaced out around the room facing the wall and you will have your back to the moderator who can see everything you do, so don't think you can cheat.
Every body is read the rules before the moderator logs you in and you're off and running. When you finish you can leave but remember there are others still going, so be courteous to them when leaving. You will get a printout of your exam results known as the KDR. Any answers you happened to get wrong in the exam will not be shown but a "reference" to the topic. Go see your flying instructor, who will look up the syllabus in relation to the question and will test you aurally. You can download the syllabus from the CASA website http://casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/fcl/download/vfras03.pdf Do some study before you sit with your instructor as it will be under test conditions. When he/she is satisfied with your knowledge they can then sign it off and you can relax:)
Some tips on studying. I have found after reading through the text books I generally will re read the books twice, use a highlighter and mark what is important to you. Make notes, use the internet to get more information as I have found some questions in the exams may be a little hard and the answers in the text books may not be there or may just make an implication to a subject. Read a question then try explaining the answer to yourself as if you where explaining it to someone else, it helps because if you can't then you need to keep studying until you get it. Always read the question very carefully! We call it "RTFQ". One hurdle I found in the exams, is the questions may be worded so you may actually think to yourself "Did I read the right book?" It seems these exams like to test your comprehension rather than your knowledge. It's something you just have to get past.
I always try to use as much resources as possible because things will be explained differently by different authors. Try using different practice exams too from different publishers as I can guarantee you will get questions you weren't prepared for. Basically just try to cover all your bases and if you feel you have, then my philosophy is, "what ever you score is what you deserve".
So long as you pass it will be all worth it.
Happy flying:)
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