Study and Reference Guide for Written Examinations for the Private Pilot Licence Aeroplane - TP 12880

Sixth Edition - May 2025

Table of contents

• General
  • Purpose of This Guide
  • Knowledge Requirements
  • Examination Prerequisites
  • Exemptions to the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)
  • Examination Rules
  • Materials Required
  • Time Limits
  • How to Book a Flight Crew Exam
  • List of Authorized Examination Invigilators (AEI)
  • Book an Exam at a Transport Canada Center
  • Rewriting of Examinations
  • Examination Feedback
• Examinations
  • Full Examinations
  • Supplementary Examinations
  • Helicopter to Aeroplane Examination
  • Conversion Examination, United States of America FAA Pilot Certificate – Aeroplane
• Air Law
  • Air Law and Procedure
• Navigation
  • Navigation and Radio Aids
• Meteorology
  • Meteorology
• Aeronautics - General Knowledge
  • Airframes, Engines, and Systems
  • Theory of Flight
  • Flight Instruments
  • Flight Operations
  • Human Factors
• Recommended Study Material
• Recommended Study Material for the FAA Conversion Examination
• Enquiries
• Letter of Recommendation for the Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) Written Examination
• Letter of Recommendation for the Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) Supplementary Written Examination

General

Purpose of This Guide

TP 12880 is meant to provide guidance to help individuals prepare for the written exam required for a Canadian Private Pilot Licence (PPL - A). The guide covers topics in the sections of Air Law, Navigation, Meteorology, and Aeronautics - General Knowledge. The topics listed are not meant to be a detailed and exhaustive list, it is important for candidates to be knowledgeable in all these areas to ensure they are well-prepared and capable of successfully passing the written examination and achieving their goal of becoming safe licensed private pilots.

Knowledge Requirements

All subjects in this guide are considered to be important to applicants for the Private Pilot Licence-Aeroplane and may appear on the exam. Subject areas identified by a bullet () are considered essential knowledge.

Examination Prerequisites

CAR 401.13

(1) Prior to taking a written examination, an applicant for a flight crew permit, licence or rating shall meet the prerequisites for the examination set out in the personnel licensing standards with respect to

• (a) medical fitness
• (b) identification
• (c) a recommendation from the flight instructor who is responsible for the training of the applicant; and
• (d) experience.

(2) The applicant for a flight crew permit, licence or rating must be sufficiently competent in one of the official languages to be able to read the examination questions and to write the answers without assistance.

Exemptions to the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)

https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/reference-centre/exemptions-canadian-aviation-regulations-cars

Examination Rules

CAR 400.02

(1) Except as authorized by an invigilator, no person shall, or shall attempt to, in respect of an examination,

• (a) copy or remove from any place all or any portion of the text of the examination;
• (b) give to or accept from any person a copy of all or any portion of the text of the examination;
• (c) give help to or accept help from any person during the examination;
• (d) complete all or any portion of the examination on behalf of any other person; or
• (e) use any aid or written material during the examination.

(2) A person who commits an act prohibited under subsection (1) fails the examination and may not take any other examination for a period of one year.

Materials Required

A pencil is required for rough work. Electronic calculators are useful and are permitted if their memory is cleared before and after the examination. Computers capable of storing text are not approved. Navigation tools (ruler/scale, protractor, flight computer) are required for the navigation questions. A list of accepted electronic computers for flight crew examinations is available at: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/licensing-pilots-personnel/flight-crew-licences-permits-ratings/accepted-electronic-computers-flight-crew-examinations

Time Limits

Examinations, including all sections of a sectionalized examination, that are required for the issuance of a permit or licence or for the endorsement of a permit or licence with a rating shall be completed during the 24-month period immediately preceding the date of the application for the permit, licence or rating.

How to Book a Flight Crew Exam

https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/licensing-pilots-personnel/flight-crew-licences-permits-ratings/how-book-flight-crew-exam

List of Authorized Examination Invigilators (AEI)

https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/licensing-pilots-personnel/flight-crew-licences-permits-ratings/how-book-flight-crew-exam#find_an_aei

Book an Exam at a Transport Canada Center

If the exam can’t be administered by an AEI, use Transport Canada’s online exam booking tool.

1. Have your pilot licence or file number ready. The file number will begin with “5802”.
2. Once on the exam booking webpage, choose your exam, location, and date, provide your contact information and attest that you meet the required eligibility criteria.
3. Follow the prompts to submit your payment.

Once a booking is confirmed through payment, you’ll receive confirmation by email. You will also get an email reminder 3 business days before the exam date.

Book online: https://examens-aviation-exams.tc.canada.ca/en/schedule/step1

Rewriting of Examinations

CAR 400.04 (1)

Subject to subsections (2) and (6), a person who fails an examination or a section of a sectionalized examination required for the issuance of a flight crew permit, licence, rating or foreign licence validation certificate is ineligible to rewrite the examination or the failed section for a period of

• (a) in the case of a first failure, 14 days;
• (b) in the case of a second failure, 30 days; and
• (c) in the case of a third or subsequent failure, 30 days plus an additional 30 days for each failure in excess of two failures, up to a maximum of 180 days.

(2) A person who fails the Student Pilot Permit or Private Pilot Licence for Foreign and Military Applicants, Aviation Regulations (PSTAR) examination is eligible to rewrite the examination at any time after the person has received notice of the failure and has reviewed their weak knowledge areas.

(6) If a person submits a request to the Minister to shorten the period between examination attempts, the Minister shall grant the request on receipt of confirmation that the person has reviewed their weak knowledge areas.

Examination Feedback

Feedback statements on the results letter will inform the candidate which questions were answered incorrectly.

Example of a Feedback Statement: Identify the atmospheric conditions favorable for thunderstorm formation.

Examinations

Full Examinations

Applicants for the Private Pilot Licence-Aeroplane Category shall demonstrate their knowledge by writing a Transport Canada multiple-choice examination on subjects contained in this guide. Applicants must be able to read the examination questions in either English or French without assistance.

Examination	Questions	Time Limit	Pass Mark
Private Pilot-Aeroplane (PPAER)	100	3 hours	60%

This examination is sectionalized into four mandatory subject areas and requires an overall pass mark of 60%. As well, the candidate must achieve 60% in the following four subject areas:

Mandatory Subjects
Air Law	Air Law and Procedures
Navigation	Navigation and Radio Aids
Meteorology	Meteorology
Aeronautics - General Knowledge	Airframes, Engines, and Systems  Theory of Flight Flight Instruments Flight Operations Human Factors

Questions fall under one of the four mandatory subject areas. However, there may be occasions where knowledge from another section is required to arrive at the correct response. For example, a practical question on fuel calculations under Navigation may require knowledge of VFR fuel requirements under Air Law.

Applicants who obtain less than 60% on the overall examination will, for licensing purposes, be required to rewrite the complete exam, as specified in CARs 421.26.

Supplementary Examinations

Applicants who obtain 60% or more on the main examination (PPAER), but who fail one or more mandatory subject areas will be assessed a partial pass. During one sitting, they will be required to write supplementary examinations for each subject area failed. Details on the mandatory subject area supplementary examinations are as follows:

Examination	Questions	Time Limit	Pass Mark
Air Law (PALAW)	20	1 hour	60%
Navigation (PANAV)	20	2 hours	60%
Meteorology (PAMET)	30	1½ hours	60%
Aeronautics - General Knowledge (PAGEN)	30	1½ hours	60%

Helicopter to Aeroplane Examination

Pilots who hold a valid Private, Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot Licence in the Helicopter Category and who wish to apply for a Private Pilot Licence-Aeroplane shall demonstrate their knowledge by writing the following Transport Canada multiple choice examination.

Examination	Questions	Time Limit	Pass Mark
Private Pilot Aeroplane - Alternate Category (PARAC)	35	1½ hours	60%

The PARAC examination is based on subjects contained in Air Law and Aeronautics - General Knowledge (Airframes, Engines and Systems, Theory of Flight, Flight Instruments and Flight Operations).

Conversion Examination, United States of America FAA Pilot Certificate – Aeroplane

Pilots who hold a FAA Private Pilot Certificate, Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate – Aeroplane, shall demonstrate their knowledge by writing the following 
Transport Canada multiple choice examination:

Examination	Questions	Time Limit	Pass Mark
Conversion - Private Pilot Licence – Aeroplane, (FAAPA)	20	1 hour	60%

The FAAPA examination is based on subjects contained in the Air Law and procedures section of this study and reference guide. Candidates should read the recommended references on pages 25 and 26 as they apply to aeroplanes.

Air Law

Air Law and Procedure

Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)

Some Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) refer to their associated standards. Questions from the CARs may test knowledge from the regulation or the standard.

Part I - General Provisions

101 – Interpretation

•  101.01 Interpretation

103 - Administration and Compliance

•  103.02 Inspection of Aircraft, Requests for Production of Documents and Prohibitions
•  103.03 Return of Canadian Aviation Documents
•  103.04 Record Keeping

Part II – Aircraft Identification and Registration and Operation of A Leased Aircraft by A Non-Registered Owner

•  202.01 Requirements for Marks on Aircraft
•  202.13 Registration of Aircraft – General
•  202.15 Qualifications of Be Registered Owner of a Canadian Aircraft
•  202.17 Types of Registration
•  202.26 Carrying Certificate of Registration on Board the Aircraft

Transfer of Legal Custody and Control

•  202.35 General
•  202.36 Interim Registration
•  202.57 Conditions Where Certificate of Registration is Cancelled

Part III – Aerodromes and Airports

300 – Interpretation

•  300.01 Interpretation

301 – Aerodromes

•   301.01 Application
• 301.04 Markers and Markings
• 301.06 Wind Direction Indicator
•   301.07 Lighting
•   301.08 Prohibitions
•   301.09 Fire Prevention

302 - Airports

•  302.10 Prohibitions
•  302.11 Fire Prevention

Part IV - Personnel Licensing and Training

400 – General

•  400.01 Interpretation

401 – Flight Crew Permits, Licenses and Ratings

• 401.03 Requirement to Hold a Flight Crew Permit, Licence or Rating or a Foreign Licence Validation Certificate
•  401.04 Flight Crew Members of Aircraft Registered in Contracting States Other Than Canada
• 401.05 Recency Requirements
•  401.08 Personal Logs
• 401.26 Aeroplanes - Private Pilot Licence Privileges
•  401.28 Reimbursements of Costs Incurred in respect of a Flight
•  401.45 Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Over-the-Top Rating Privileges

404 - Medical Requirements

•  404.03 Requirement to Hold a Medical Certificate
• 404.04 Issuance, Renewal, Validity Period and Extension of a Medical Certificate
•  404.06 Prohibition Regarding Exercise of Privileges
•  404.10 Medical Certificate Requirements for Personnel Licences
•  404.18 Examination for Renewal of a Medical Certificate or for Permission to Continue to Exercise the   Privileges of a Permit, Licence or Rating

Part VI - General Operating and Flight Rules

600 – Interpretation

•  600.01 Interpretation

601 – Airspace Structure, Classification and Use

•  601.01 Airspace Structure
•  601.02 Airspace Classification
• 601.03 Transponder Airspace
• 601.04 IFR or VFR Flight in Class F Special Use Restricted Airspace or Class F Special Use Advisory Airspace
•  601.06 VFR Flight in Class A Airspace
•  601.07 VFR Flight in Class B Airspace
• 601.08 VFR Flight in Class C Airspace
• 601.09 VFR Flight in Class D Airspace
•  601.15 Forest Fire Aircraft Operating Restrictions
•  601.16 Issuance of NOTAM for Forest Fire Aircraft Operating Restrictions
•  601.19 Hand-held Lasers
•  601.20 Projection of Directed Bright Light Source at an Aircraft

602 – Operating and Flight Rules

General

•  602.01.1 Reckless or Negligent Operation of Aircraft
•  602.02 Fitness of Flight Crew Members
•  602.03 Alcohol or Drugs - Crew Members
•  602.04 Alcohol or Drugs - Passengers
•  602.05 Compliance with Instructions
•  602.06 Smoking
•  602.07 Aircraft Operating Limitations
•  602.08 Portable Electronic Devices
•  602.09 Fueling with Engines Running
• 602.10 Starting and Ground Running of Aircraft Engines
• 602.11 Aircraft Icing
• 602.12 Overflight of Built-up Areas or Open-Air Assemblies of Persons during Take-offs, Approaches
       and Landings
• 602.13 Take-offs, Approaches and Landings within Built-up Areas of Cities and Towns
• 602.14 Minimum Altitude and Distances
•  602.15 Permissible Low Altitude Flight
• 602.19 Right-of-Way - General
• 602.20 Right-of-Way - Aircraft Manoeuvring on Water
• 602.21 Avoidance of Collision
•  602.22 Towing
•  602.23 Dropping of Objects
•  602.24 Formation Flight
•  602.25 Entering or Leaving an Aircraft in Flight
•  602.26 Parachute Descents
• 602.27 Aerobatic Manoeuvres - Prohibited Areas and Flight Conditions
•  602.28 Aerobatic Manoeuvres with Passengers
• 602.31 Compliance with Air Traffic Control Instructions and Clearances
•  602.32 Airspeed Limitations
• 602.34 Cruising Altitudes and Cruising Flight Levels
• 602.35 Altimeter-setting and Operating Procedures in the Altimeter-setting Region
• 602.36 Altimeter-setting and Operating Procedures in the Standard Pressure Region
•  602.37 Altimeter-setting and Operating Procedures in Transition between Regions
•  602.40 Landing at or Take-off from an Aerodrome at Night

Operational and Emergency Equipment Requirements

•  602.58 Prohibition
•  602.59 Equipment Standards
• 602.60 Requirements for Power-driven Aircraft
•  602.61 Survival Equipment - Flights over Land
• 602.62 Life Preservers and Flotation Devices
• 602.63 Life Rafts and Survival Equipment – Flight over Water

Flight Preparation, Flight Plans and Flight Itineraries

• 602.70 Interpretation
• 602.71 Pre-flight Information
•  602.72 Weather Information
• 602.73 Requirement to File a Flight Plan or a Flight Itinerary
•  602.74 Contents of a Flight Plan or a Flight Itinerary
•  602.75 Filing of a Flight Plan or a Flight Itinerary
• 602.76 Changes in the Flight Plan
• 602.77 Requirement to File an Arrival Report
•  602.78 Contents of an Arrival Report
•  602.79 Overdue Aircraft Report

Pre-Flight and Fuel Requirements

•  602.86 Carry-on Baggage, Equipment and Cargo
• 602.88 Fuel Requirements
•  602.89 Passenger Briefings

Operations at or in the Vicinity of an Aerodrome

• 602.96 General
• 602.97 VFR and IFR Aircraft Operations at Uncontrolled Aerodromes within a MF Area
• 602.98 General MF Reporting Requirements
• 602.99 MF Reporting Procedures before Entering Manoeuvring Area
• 602.100 MF Reporting Procedures on Departure
• 602.101 MF Reporting Procedures on Arrival
• 602.102 MF Reporting Procedures when Flying Continuous Circuits
• 602.103 Reporting Procedures when Flying through an MF Area
•  602.105 Noise Operating Criteria

Visual Flight Rules

• 602.114 Minimum Visual Meteorological Conditions for VFR Flight in VFR Flight in Controlled Airspace
• 602.115 Minimum Visual Meteorological Conditions for VFR Flight in Uncontrolled Airspace
• 602.116 VFR Over-the-Top
• 602.117 Special VFR Flight

Radiocommunications

•  602.133 Language Used in Aeronautical Radiocommunications
•  602.134 Request for Air Traffic Services
•  602.136 Continuous Listening Watch
• 602.138 Two-way Radiocommunication Failure in VFR Flight

Emergency Communications and Security

•  602.143 Emergency Radio Frequency Capability
•  602.144 Interception Signals, Interception of Aircraft and Instructions to Land
•  602.145 ADIZ
•  602.146 ESCAT Plan

605 - Aircraft Requirements

General

•  605.03 Flight Authority
•  605.04 Availability of Aircraft Flight Manual
•  605.05 Markings and Placards
•  605.06 Aircraft Equipment Standards and Serviceability
•  605.08 Unserviceable and Removed Equipment - General

Aircraft Equipment Requirements

• 605.14 Power-driven Aircraft - Day VFR
•  605.15 Power-driven Aircraft – VFR OTT
•  605.16 Power-driven Aircraft – Night VFR
•  605.17 Use of Position and Anti-collision Lights
•  605.22 Seat and Safety Belt Requirements
•  605.24 Shoulder Harness Requirements
• 605.25 General use of Safety Belts and Restraint Systems
•  605.28 Child Restraint System
•  605.29 Flight Control Locks
•  605.31 Oxygen Equipment and Supply
• 605.32 Use of Oxygen
• 605.35 Transponder and Automatic Pressure-altitude Reporting Equipment
• 605.38 ELT
• 605.40 ELT Activation

Aircraft Maintenance Requirements

• 605.84 Aircraft Maintenance - General
•  605.85 Maintenance Release and Elementary Work
•  605.86 Maintenance Schedule
•  605.88 Inspection after Abnormal Occurrences

Technical Records

•  605.92 Requirement to Keep Technical Records
•  605.93 Technical Records - General
• 605.94 Journey Log Requirements
• 605.95 Journey Log - Carrying on Board
•  605.97 Transfer of Records

606 - Miscellaneous

•  606.02 Liability Insurance

Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) - (TC-AIM GEN 3.0)

•  1 Definitions
•  2 Reporting an aviation occurrence
•  3 Keeping and preservation of evidence

Air Traffic Services and Procedures

Refer to TC-AIM RAC 1.0 and 4.0.

•  1 Air Traffic Services and Advisory Services
•  2 Communication procedures
•  3 Radar service - clock position system
•  4 ATC clearances and instructions
•  5 Wake turbulence separation
•  6 Controlled and uncontrolled aerodrome operations
•  7 Mandatory (MF) and Aerodrome Traffic Frequencies (ATF)
•  8 Common Frequency Areas (CFA)
•  9 VFR enroute procedures
•  10 VFR holding procedures
•  11 Operations on intersecting runways including (LAHSO)
•  12 Procedures for the prevention of runway incursion

Navigation

Navigation and Radio Aids

Definitions

•  1 Meridian
•  2 Prime Meridian
•  3 Longitude
•  4 Equator
•  5 Latitude
•  6 Rhumb Line/Great Circle
•  7 Variation
•  8 Isogonal
•  9 Agonic Line
•  10 Deviation
•  11 Track
•  12 Heading
•  13 Airspeed
•  14 Ground Speed
•  15 Air Position
•  16 Ground Position
•  17 Bearing
•  18 Wind Velocity
•  19 Drift

Maps and Charts

•  1 VTA - Transverse Mercator Projection
•  2 VNC - Lambert Conformal Conic Projection
•  3 Topographical symbols
•  4 Elevation and contours (relief)
•  5 Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) Supplement
•  6 Scale and units of measurement
•  7 Locating position by latitude and longitude
•  8 Navigation aids

Time and Longitude

•  1 24-hour system
•  2 Time Zones and relation to longitude
•  3 Conversion of UTC to local and vice versa

Pilot Navigation

•  1 Use of Aeronautical Charts
•  2 Measurement of track and distance
•  3 Map reading
•  4 Setting heading - visual angle of departure
•  5 Checkpoints and pinpoints
•  6 Use of position lines to obtain a fix
•  7 Ground Speed checks and ETA revisions
•  8 Variation/deviation
•  9 True track/magnetic track
•  10 Determining drift by 10° lines
•  11 Double track error method to regain track
•  12 Opening and closing angles method
•  13 Visual alteration method of correcting to track
•  14 Diversion to alternate destination
•  15 Return to departure point (Reciprocal Track)
•  16 Low Level Navigation
•  17 Dead reckoning (DR navigation), triangle of velocity
•  18 In-flight log and mental calculations
•  19 Procedures when lost
•  20 True, magnetic and compass headings
•  21 Indicated airspeed, calibrated airspeed
•  22 True airspeed, ground speed
•  23 Compass errors
•  24 Radio communications

Navigation Computers

•  1 Heading and ground speed
•  2 Pressure, density, and true altitudes
•  3 Indicated, calibrated and true airspeed
•  4 Time, ground speed and distance
•  5 Fuel consumption and conversions

Pre-Flight Preparation

•  1 Factors affecting choice of route
•  2 Map preparation
•  3 Meteorological information
•  4 NOTAM
•  5 AIP Supplements
•  6 Selection of checkpoints
•  7 Fuel requirements
•  8 Weight and balance
•  9 Use of Canada Flight Supplement
•  10 Documents to be carried in aircraft
•  11 Flight Plans, Itineraries
•  12 Flight planning form
•  13 Aircraft serviceability

Electronic Flight Bag & Portable Electronic Devices

•  1 Basic principles, use and limitations
•  2 Power sources, and backup
•  3 Distraction management
•  4 Fire hazards

Radio Theory

•  1 Characteristics of low, high, and very high frequency radio waves
•  2 Frequency bands used in navigation and communication
•  3 Reception limitations

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS/GPS)

•  1 Basic principles, use and limitations

Other Radio and Radar Aids – Basic Principles and Use

•  1 Transponder
•  2 Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast 
   (ADS-B)
•  3 Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
•  4 Primary and Secondary Surveillance Radars (PSR, SSR)
•  5 Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)

Meteorology

Meteorology

The Earth’s Atmosphere

•  1 Composition and physical properties
•  2 Vertical structure
•  3 Standard atmosphere
•  4 Density and pressure
•  5 Expansion and compression

Atmospheric Pressure

•  1 Units of measurement
•  2 Station pressure
•  3 Sea level pressure
•  4 Pressure systems and their variations
•  5 Effects of temperature
•  6 Isobars

Meteorological Aspects of Altimetry

•  1 Pressure altitude
•  2 Density altitude
•  3 Altimeter settings
•  4 Considerations when flying to/from high to low pressure or temperature areas

Temperature

•  1 Heating and cooling of the atmosphere - convection, advection, and radiation
•  2 Horizontal differences
•  3 Temperature variations with altitude
•  4 Inversions
•  5 Isothermal layers

Moisture

•  1 Relative humidity and dewpoint
•  2 Sublimation and condensation
•  3 Cloud formation
•  4 Precipitation
•  5 Saturated and dry adiabatic lapse rate

Stability and Instability

•  1 Lapse rate and stability
•  2 Modification of stability
•  3 Characteristics of stable and unstable air
•  4 Surface heating and cooling
•  5 Lifting processes
•  6 Subsidence and convergence

Clouds

•  1 Classification
•  2 Formation and structure
•  3 Types and recognition
•  4 Associated precipitation and turbulence

Surface Based Layers

•  1 Fog formation
•  2 Fog types (including mist)
•  3 Haze and smoke
•  4 Blowing obstruction to vision

Turbulence

•  1 Convection
•  2 Mechanical
•  3 Orographic
•  4 Wind shear
•  5 Reporting criteria

Wind

•  1 Definition
•  2 Pressure gradient
•  3 Deflection caused by the earth's rotation
•  4 Low level winds - variation in surface wind
•  5 Friction
•  6 Veer/back
•  7 Squall/gusts
•  8 Diurnal effects
•  9 Land and sea breezes
•  10 Katabatic and anabatic effects
•  11 Topographical effects
•  12 Wind shear - types, causes

Air Masses

•  1 Definition and characteristics
•  2 Formation and classification
•  3 Modification
•  4 Factors that determine weather
•  5 Seasonal and geographic effects
•  6 Air masses affecting North America

Fronts

•  1 Structure
•  2 Types
•  3 Formation
•  4 Cross-sections
•  5 Cold front weather
•  6 Warm front weather
•  7 Trowal and upper front

Aircraft Icing

•  1 In-flight - freezing rain
•  2 Hoar frost
•  3 Impact icing (engine)

Thunderstorms

•  1 Requirements for development
•  2 Structure and development
•  3 Types - air mass and frontal
•  4 Hazards - Updrafts, downdrafts, gust fronts, downbursts, microbursts, hail and lightning
•  5 Squall lines

Other Hazards

•  1 Hurricane
•  2 Tornado
•  3 Forest fires
•  4 Dust/sand Whirls (Dust Devils)
•  5 Eclipse

Meteorological Services Available to Pilots

•  1 Aviation Weather Information Services (AWIS)
•  2 Aviation Weather Briefing Service (AWBS)
•  3 Flight Service Stations (FSS) and Flight Information Centres (FIC)
•  4 Collaborative Flight Planning Services (CFPS)
•  5 Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS)

Aviation Weather Reports

•  1 Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) – decoding
•  2 Automated Equipment: Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS), Limited Weather
       Information  System (LWIS) and Automated Weather System (AUTO).
•  3 Pilot Reports (PIREP)

Aviation Forecasts

•  1 Times issued and period of coverage
•  2 Decoding
•  3 Graphical Area Forecast (GFA)
•  4 Terminal Area Forecast (TAF)
•  5 Upper Winds and Temperature Forecasts (FB)
•  6 Airman's Meteorological Advisory (AIRMET)
•  7 Significant In-flight Weather Warning Message (SIGMET)

Weather Maps and Prognostic Charts

•  1 Times issued and period of coverage
•  2 Symbols and decoding
•  3 Surface weather map
•  4 Prognostic surface charts

Aeronautics - General Knowledge

Airframes, Engines, and Systems

Airframes

•  1 Types of construction

Landing Gear, Brakes and Flaps

•  1 Mechanical
•  2 Hydraulic
•  3 Electric

Engines

•  1 Two and four stroke cycle
•  2 Electric motors
•  3 Methods of cooling
•  4 Principle of the magneto
•  5 Dual ignition
•  6 Exhaust systems
•  7 Auxiliary controls
•  8 Turbocharging
•  9 Effects of density altitudes and humidity
•  10 Limitations and operations
•  11 Instruments

Carburation

•  1 Theory of operation
•  2 Fuel-air mixture
•  3 Mixture controls
•  4 Carburettor icing
•  5 Use of carb heat and its effects on mixture

Fuel Injection

•  1 Principle and operation
•  2 Icing
•  3 Alternate air

Electrical System

•  1 Generator, alternator, and battery
•  2 Types of batteries for electric aeroplane
•  3 Lighting
•  4 Ammeter and load meter
•  5 Bus bars
•  6 Circuit breakers and fuses
•  7 Grounding and bonding

Lubricating Systems and Oils

•  1 Types, viscosity, grades, and seasonal use
•  2 Purposes
•  3 Methods of lubrication
•  4 Venting
•  5 Filters
•  6 Oil Cooler

Fuel System and Fuels

•  1 Types - Colour and properties
•  2 Density and weight
•  3 Additives
•  4 Contamination and deterioration
•  5 Tank location
•  6 Venting
•  7 Fuel line - filters and drains
•  8 Induction manifold
•  9 Detonation - causes and effects
•  10 Vapour lock
•  11 Primers
•  12 Fuel management
•  13 Fuel handling - fuelling aircraft
•  14 Winter considerations

Other Aircraft Systems

•  1 Oxygen
•  2 Vacuum

Theory of Flight

Principles of Flight

•  1 Bernoulli's Theorem
•  2 Newton's Laws

Forces Acting on an Aeroplane

•  1 Lift
•  2 Drag - induced and parasite
•  3 Relationship of lift and drag to angle of attack
•  4 Thrust
•  5 Weight
•  6 Equilibrium
•  7 Centre of pressure
•  8 Centrifugal and centripetal
•  9 Forces acting on an aircraft during manoeuvres
•  10 Roll upset
•  10 Relationship of load factor to stalling speed
•  11 Structural limitations
•  12 Gust loads

Aerofoils

•  1 Pressure distribution about an aerofoil
•  2 Relative airflow and angle of attack
•  3 Aerodynamic Effects of Airborne Icing
•  3 Downwash
•  4 Wing tip vortices
•  5 Angle of incidence

Propellers

•  1 Propeller efficiency at various speeds
•  2 Fixed and variable pitch
•  3 Torque, slipstream, gyroscopic effect and asymmetric thrust

Design of the Wing

•  1 Wing planform
•  2 Area, span, chord
•  3 Aspect ratio
•  4 Streamlining
•  5 Camber
•  6 Laminar flow
•  7 Dihedral, anhedral
•  8 Wash in, wash out
•  9 Slots, slats
•  10 Wing fences, stall strips
•  11 Spoilers
•  12 Flaps
•  13 Canards

Stability

•  1 Longitudinal, lateral and directional stability
•  2 Inherent stability
•  3 Methods of achieving stability

Flight Controls

•  1 Aeroplane axes and planes of movement
•  2 Functions of controls
•  3 Relationship between effects of yaw and roll
•  4 Adverse yaw, aileron drag
•  5 Static and dynamic balancing of controls
•  6 Trim and trimming devices

Flight Instruments

Pitot Static System

•  1 Pitot
•  2 Static
•  3 Anti-icing
•  4 Alternate static - source, errors

Airspeed Indicator

•  1 Principles of Operation
•  2 Errors
•  3 Markings
•  4 Definitions (IAS/CAS/TAS)

Vertical Speed Indicator

•  1 Principles of operation
•  2 Errors
•  3 Lag

Altimeter/Encoding Altimeter

•  1 Principles of operation
•  2 Errors

Magnetic Compass

•  1 Principles of operation
•  2 Magnetic dip
•  3 Turning, acceleration and deceleration errors
•  4 Deviation
•  5 Compass correction card
•  6 Compass serviceability

Gyroscope

•  1 Principles of operation
•  2 Inertia
•  3 Precession

Heading Indicator

•  1 Principles of operation
•  2 Errors
•  3 Limitations
•  4 Power sources

Attitude Indicator

•  1 Principles of operations
•  2 Errors
•  3 Limitations
•  4 Power sources

Turn and Bank Indicator/Turn Co-Ordinator

• 1 Principles of operations
•  2 Errors
•  3 Limitations
•  4 Power sources

Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS)

•  1 Principles of operations
•  2 Errors
•  3 Limitations
•  4 Power sources

Instrument Flying

•  1 Loss of visual reference
•  2 The control and performance instruments
•  3 Instrument scan and interpretation
•  4 Aircraft control
•  5 Unusual attitudes and recoveries

Flight Operations

General

•  1 Pilot-In-Command responsibilities
•  2 Winter operations
•  3 Thunderstorms avoidance
•  4 Mountain flying operations
•  5 Collision avoidance - use of landing lights
•  6 Runway numbering
•  7 Displaced threshold
•  8 Airport rotating beacon
•  9 Visual Approach Slope Indicator Systems (VASIS): VASI, AVASI, PAPI, and APAPI
•  10 Obstruction marking and lighting
•  11 Units of measurements and conversion
•  12 Radio communications
•  13 Wheelbarrowing
•  14 Porpoising
•  15 Hydroplaning
•  16 Taxiing
•  17 Effects of wind and wind shear
•  18 Sideslips

Use of Performance Charts

•  1 Take-off charts
•  2 Crosswind charts
•  3 Canadian Runway Friction Index (CRFI)
•  4 Cruise charts
•  5 Fuel burn charts
•  6 Landing charts
•  7 Performance (V) speeds - Va, Vno, Vfe, Vlo, Vne, Vs, Vx, Vy
•  8 Effect of ice, snow, frost, slush, water on takeoff and landing distance
•  9 Effect of various runway surfaces on take-off and landing distance
•  10 Upslope, downslope runway

Aircraft Performance

•  1 Effects of aircraft critical surface contamination
•  2 Lift/drag ratio
•  3 Effects of density altitude and humidity
•  4 Attitude plus power equals performance
•  5 Normal, short, soft, and rough field take-offs and landing
•  6 Ground effect
•  7 Best angle of climb (Vx)
•  8 Best rate of climb (Vy)
•  9 Manoeuvring speed (Va)
•  10 Normal operating limit speed (Vno)
•  11 Never exceed speed (Vne)
•  12 Maximum flap speed (Vfe)
•  13 Reference landing speed (Vref)
•  14 Maximum gear operating speed (Vlo)
•  15 Gliding for range
•  16 Flying for range
•  17 Flying for endurance
•  18 Slow flight
•  19 Stalls
•  20 Indicated and true stalling speed
•  21 Stall speed vs altitude
•  22 Spins
•  23 Spirals
•  24 Recommended safe recovery altitudes
•  25 Bank/speed vs rate/radius of turn
•  26 Effects of change of weight or centre of gravity (CG) on performance
•  27 Use of aircraft flight manual and approved operational information
•  28 Use of unapproved operational information
•  29 External loads (e.g. miniature cameras)

Weight and Balance

•  1 Terms - e.g. datum, arm and moment
•  2 Standard weights
•  3 Locating CG
•  4 CG limits
•  5 Empty weight and gross weight
•  6 Maximum landing weight
•  7 Load adjustment
•  8 Cargo tie-down and passenger loading
•  9 Normal and utility category
•  10 Zero fuel calculation
•  11 Maximum zero fuel weight

Wake Turbulence

•  1 Causes
•  2 Effects
•  3 Avoidance

Search and Rescue (SAR) 
(TC AIM - SAR Information)

•  1 Types of service available
•  2 Use of ELT
•  3 Aircraft emergencies
•  4 Survival – Basic techniques

Aircraft Critical Surface Contamination

•  1 Clean aircraft concept
•  2 Frozen contaminants and removal techniques
•  3 Cold-Soaking Phenomenon
•  4 Pre-takeoff contamination inspection
•  5 Types of ice
•  6 De-Icing/Anti-Icing Fluids - Type I, II, III, IV
•  7 Correct uses of de-icing and anti-icing fluids

Human Factors

Aviation Physiology

•  1 Hypoxia and hyperventilation
•  2 Gas expansion effects
•  3 Decompression (including SCUBA diving)
•  4 Visual scanning techniques / Visual references
•  5 Hearing
•  6 Orientation and disorientation (Including visual and vestibular illusions)
•  7 Positive and negative “G”
•  8 Sleep and fatigue
•  9 Anaesthetics
•  10 Blood donations

The Pilot and the Operating Environment

•  1 Individual health and fitness
•  2 Diet, nutrition and fasting
•  3 Medications (prescribed and over the counter)
•  4 Substance use (alcohol, drugs, and intoxicants)
•  5 Pregnancy
•  6 Heat and cold
•  7 Noise and vibration
•  8 Effects of smoking and vaping
•  9 Toxic hazards (including carbon monoxide)

Aviation Psychology

•  1 The decision-making process
•  2 Factors that influence decision-making
•  3 Situational awareness
•  4 Stress
•  5 Risk Management
•  6 Threat and error management
•  7 Hazardous attitudes
•  8 Workload (attention and information processing)

Pilot - Equipment and Materials Relationship

•  1 Controls and displays - errors in interpretation and control
•  2 Maps and charts - errors in the interpretation and use
•  3 Interaction with automation, electronic flight bags, GNSS/GPS moving maps
•  4 Correct uses of checklists and manuals

Interpersonal Relations

•  1 Communications with ground personnel, maintenance personnel, air traffic services, and passengers
•  2 Family relationships and peer group pressures and goal conflicts

Recommended Study Material

• Sample Examination for Private Pilot Licence (TP 13014E)
• Flight Training Manual (TP 1102E)
• Aeronautical Information Manual (TC AIM) (TP 14371E)
• Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)
• Human Factors for Aviation - Basic Handbook (TP 12863E)
• Student Pilot Permit or Private Pilot Licence for Foreign and Military Applicants, Air Regulations (PSTAR) (TP 11919E)
• VFR Phraseology Guide by NAV CANADA https://www.navcanada.ca/en/vfr-phraseology.pdf
• Flight Crew Recency Requirements Self-Paced Study Program (on tc.gc.ca website)
• RCAF Weather Manual (TP 9352E) (Formerly known as Air Command Weather Manual)
• MANAB Manual of Word Abbreviations
• Aviation Meteorology Reference (AVMET) by Nav Canada https://avmet.navcanada.ca/
• When in Doubt… Small and Large Aircraft - Aircraft Critical Surface Contamination Training (TP 10643E)
• Handbook for Civil Aviation Medical Examiners (TP 13312E)
• Canada Flight Supplement (CFS)
• VFR Navigation Charts (VNC) / VFR Terminal Area Charts (VTA)
• How to use NAV CANADA Aeronautical Information Products https://www.navcanada.ca/en/how-to-use-nav-canada-aeronautical-information-products.pdf
• AIP Canada: Part 1 GEN, Part 2 ENR, and Part 3 AD
• Aeronautical Information Circulars published by NAV CANADA
• Designated Airspace Handbook (DAH) (TP – 1820E)
• Aerodrome Standards and Recommended Practices (TP 312E)
• AC 700-065 – Potential for High Energy Fires Due to Lithium-Ion Batteries
• AC 500-004 – External Loads on Aeroplanes – Approval Process and Flight Test Considerations
• AC 700-020 – Electronic Flight Bags
• AC 700-031 – Prevention and Recovery from Aeroplane Stalls
• The Use of Automobile Gasoline (MOGAS) (TP 10737E)
• Aviation Safety Letter (on tc.gc.ca website)

The Study Guide (RIC-21) for the Radiotelephone Operator's Restricted Certificate (Aeronautical) is available free of charge from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada - Examination and Radio Licensing (https://ised-isde.canada.ca/).

Information on textbooks and other publications produced by commercial publishers can be obtained through local flight training units, bookstores, and similar sources.

Recommended Study Material for the FAA Conversion Examination

Candidates attempting the examination for conversion from an FAA certificate to a Canadian Private pilot licence (FAAPA examination) are encouraged to review the following references as they apply to aeroplanes in VFR operations:

Enquiries

Information concerning the location of pilot training organizations and matters pertaining to flight crew licensing may be obtained by contacting the appropriate Regional Offices. A complete listing may be found at:
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/civil-aviation-contacts-offices

Letter of Recommendation for the Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) Written Examination

Name of Candidate (Print)

File Number

Name of Recommending Flight Instructor, Licence Number, and Instructor Class (Print)

Flight Training Unit Name and Number (if applicable). (Print)

To Whom it may Concern,

This is to certify that the candidate has completed the ground school instruction, and has reached a sufficient level of knowledge to attempt the written examination for a private pilot licence – aeroplane. (CAR 421.13 (3) (a))

The requirements as per CAR Standard 421.13 have been reviewed and confirmed as having been met to qualify for the written examination, and this letter is signed by a flight instructor with a valid license and rating. (CAR 401.05, 421.05, 421.66)

Flight time (CAR 421.13 (4) (a)):

Yours truly,

Signature, and date (within 60 days prior to the date of the written examination)

Letter of Recommendation for the Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) Supplementary Written Examination

Name of Candidate (Print)

File Number

Name of Recommending Flight Instructor, Licence Number and Instructor Class (Print)

Flight Training Unit Name and Number (if applicable). (Print)

To Whom it may Concern,

This is to certify that the candidate has received additional training, and has reached a sufficient level of knowledge to re-attempt the written examination for a private pilot licence – aeroplane for the following supplementary examination(s): (CAR 400.04)

• Air
• Law
• Meteorology
• Aeronautics – General Knowledge

The requirements as per CAR Standard 421.13 have been reviewed and confirmed as having been met to qualify for the written examination. This letter is signed by a flight instructor with a valid license and rating. (CAR 401.05, 421.05, 421.66)

Flight time (CAR 421.13 (4) (a)):

Yours truly,

Signature, and date (within 60 days prior to the date of the written examination)