What Is a Flight Instructor Rating?
What Is a Flight Instructor Rating? Guiding the Next Generation from the Right Seat Every skilled pilot flying the skies today started the same way—beside an instructor. Flight i
Tips on Passing CASA Flight Tests:
What to Expect and How to Prepare
Preparing for Your CASA Flight Test
The CASA flight test isn’t just another item on your to-do list—it’s the final gateway before you earn your wings. Whether you’re going for your Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or a higher qualification, the flight test is a comprehensive evaluation of your skills, judgment, and readiness to operate safely in the skies.
Yes, it’s rigorous. Yes, it can be nerve-wracking. But with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
This guide walks you through the entire process—what to expect in each phase, how you’ll be assessed, and practical tips to help you walk into your test feeling capable, calm, and ready to succeed.
Understand the Structure of the Flight Test
What the Flight Test Assesses
CASA flight tests are designed to evaluate three things:
- Your practical flying skills
- Your theoretical knowledge
- Your decision-making and risk management
This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about demonstrating that you can operate safely, confidently, and follow aviation regulations.
Flight Test Phases
The flight test typically unfolds in three parts:
- Pre-Flight Briefing & Documentation Check
- The In-Flight Assessment
- Post-Flight Debrief
Each phase offers the examiner opportunities to evaluate your preparation, proficiency, and professionalism.
Who Conducts the Test
Your flight test will be conducted by a CASA-approved Flight Examiner, who is qualified to assess performance against the official Flight Examiner Handbook. Their goal isn’t to trip you up—it’s to ensure you meet the required standards to fly safely and independently.
Pre-Flight Preparation
Documentation Review
You’ll need to present a complete and correct flight plan, fuel plan, weight & balance, NOTAMs, weather briefings, and aircraft performance data. The examiner may ask you to justify your decisions, so understand what you’ve planned and why.
Pre-Flight Inspection
You must perform a full daily inspection of the aircraft, even if it has a current maintenance release. Be prepared to explain what you’re doing at each step and demonstrate awareness of airworthiness requirements.
Fuel Planning Competency
Even if you’re not refuelling on the day, the examiner may ask how you planned your fuel—including reserves, contingencies, and alternates—based on your training and standard operating procedures.
Flight Test Conduct
Pre-Flight Actions in the Air
Once airborne, you’ll be expected to:
- Apply correct wind corrections
- Monitor fuel usage
- Make navigation adjustments as needed
- Demonstrate solid decision-making under real or simulated pressures
Maneuvers & Emergency Procedures
You’ll be asked to demonstrate a range of core flight maneuvers and respond to simulated emergencies:
- Stalls and recovery (clean and approach configuration)
- Steep turns (45° bank or greater)
- Instrument flying and unusual attitude recovery
- Simulated failures (engine, radio, fire, systems)
- Forced landings and precautionary search patterns
Arrival and Landing
You’ll need to show proper circuit entry, approach control, and safe execution of normal and crosswind landings. Examiners will observe how you integrate with other traffic and adapt to environmental conditions.
How You’re Assessed
Technique & Judgment
Smoothness, accuracy, coordinated flight, and proper control inputs matter. But so do your choices—what actions you take, when, and why.
Knowledge Demonstration
Throughout the flight, expect questions about systems, airspace, procedures, and rules. These aren’t meant to stump you—they’re there to confirm your depth of understanding.
Tolerance & Margins for Error
Minor deviations can be acceptable if you correct them promptly and your decision-making is sound. However, persistent issues with:
- Airspeed
- Altitude
- Heading
- Trim
- Aircraft control
…can result in a fail.
Post-Flight Debrief
Feedback and Outcome
After landing and shutdown, you’ll have a debrief with the examiner. They’ll go over:
- What went well
- What could be improved
- Whether you’ve passed or need additional training
Tips for Processing Feedback
Stay open. Ask questions. Write down the feedback. Even if you pass, the feedback will help you improve as a pilot.
Practical Tips for Success
Know Your POH and Aircraft Systems
Be familiar with the actual aircraft you’ll be flying, including speeds, limitations, and performance data. The examiner may ask questions based on the POH.
Stay Calm, Stay Methodical
If something doesn’t go to plan, don’t panic. Take a breath, pause, and re-centre. Examiners value measured responses over rushed corrections.
Simulate Scenarios During Training
Work with your instructor to simulate engine outs, diversions, and radio failures. The more you rehearse under pressure, the better you’ll handle the real thing.
Ask Your Instructor About Examiner Style
If your instructor knows the examiner, ask what they tend to focus on. While all assessments follow the same standard, understanding their rhythm can help you feel more at ease.
Confidence Comes from Preparation, Not Perfection
The CASA flight test isn’t about flying flawlessly—it’s about flying safely, competently, and with good judgment. You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to be prepared.
Trust your training. Do your homework. Practice until it’s second nature. And remember—mock flight tests, study groups, and honest conversations with your instructor can make all the difference.
You’ve put in the hours. Now it’s time to show what you can do.
Get Flight Test Ready with Avia
At Avia, we go beyond checklists—we build test-ready pilots. Whether you’re preparing for your PPL, CPL, or instructor rating, our structured mock tests, detailed pre-flight reviews, and focused simulator sessions will help you walk into your CASA flight test feeling sharp, steady, and confident.
Book a mock flight test or chat with our team to fine-tune your final prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is a typical CASA flight test?
Flight tests usually last around 2 to 6 hours, including briefing, flight time, and debrief. The airborne portion can vary depending on weather and test content.
2. Can I fail for just one mistake?
Not necessarily. CASA examiners allow for short-term deviations if overall technique and judgment are sound. However, consistent errors or safety-related issues can lead to a failure.
3. What if I don’t understand a question mid-flight?
Stay calm and ask for clarification. Examiners are not trying to catch you out—they want to assess your decision-making and communication, too.
4. Should I use a kneeboard or take notes during the flight?
Absolutely. A kneeboard helps with quick access to checklists, frequencies, and notes. Use it as part of your cockpit organisation strategy.
5. How can I improve my chances of passing on the first attempt?
Practice your weak areas. Book a mock test. Speak openly with your instructor. And most importantly, train the way you plan to fly on test day.
Is It Better to Be a Private or Commercial Pilot?
Is It Better to Be a Private or Commercial Pilot? The Sky Isn’t the Limit—You Are So you’ve got that itch to fly—but now you’re staring down two runways: private or comme
Benefits of the Cirrus SR22
Benefits of the Cirrus SR22 Why the Cirrus SR22 Still Reigns Supreme In the fast-evolving world of general aviation, few aircraft have earned their stripes quite like the Cirrus SR