Please make sure you have all of the following prior to the test day:
Training records, Logbook, Medical Certificate Class 1, AELP (English Language Assessment) and KDR's completed by a Flight Instructor.
The following forms will need to be available from the school or Flight Examiner:- 61-PLA, 61-1490, 61-9 PIC, ASIC copy
You will need to either have made any applicable payment to CASA for the licence on line or have a credit card available to complete the details on the application form.
Minimum age – the examiner must sight one of the following documents to verify that the applicant is at least 18 years of age:
Australian driver licence, CASA issued medical certificate, Australian passport, Australian birth certificate.
Eligibility certification – the examiner must ensure that an appropriate person of the training provider has certified in writing that the applicant is eligible to take the flight test.
Test Duration (Approximate)
Oral questioning 45min-1 hour
Flight Test 2.5 hrs
Quick pre-test checklist (bring this with you)
Today’s W&B (T/O and landing) within limits.
Performance tables computed (runway, surface, DA, obstacles).
Flight Plan with headings/times/fuel, diversion blank ready.
NOTAMs/Weather printed or cached; alternates/last-light if relevant.
EFB & backups (power, paper minima, critical frequencies, LSALT method).
Standard briefs ready: departure, diversion, PFL/precautionary, approach/landing gates.
Quick IPC pre-flight checklist (have this ready)
Privileges to revalidate (SE/ME, 2D/3D, circling, PBN) clearly stated.
IFR plan & plates; database current for any RNAV.
LSALT/MSA computed; alternate & lighting minima checked; take-off/landing minima known.
Fuel: taxi/trip/contingency/fixed reserve/holding/missed/alternate.
Automation plan (AP/FD modes) + reversion plan; GNSS integrity/RAIM checks.
Abnormals to expect: electrical load-shedding, AHRS/gyro or pitot-static issues, nav source failure.
Brief templates ready: SID/DP (if used), hold, 2D CDFA, 3D, missed/circling.
General guidance for Knowledge Assessment of CASA Flight Tests
When sitting any category of oral examination for a flight test the Flight Examiner may ask you any questions up to and including the category of license for which you are presenting.
Generally Flight Examiners will restrict their questioning to the knowledge requirements of the MOS Schedule 5 listed on the relevant flight test form.
The best way to prepare for the oral component of a flight test used is to study the flight test form and the subject matter carefully and thoroughly well in advance of the scheduled flight test date.
This will enable you to sit the test with the level of confidence you require and the of level of knowledge you require to satisfy the Flight Examiner.
If you answer questions correctly and without hesitation to the satisfaction of the Flight Examiner, the questioning will be brief. If however, you are unsure of the answers and make mistakes the Flight Examiner will go further with the questioning.
Flight examiners will also examine your KDR's (Knowledge Deficiency Reports) and may ask questions about the deficient items even though a previous flight instructor has checked you on these items. Make sure that you understand where you went wrong in the written exams and study the areas carefully because questions may be asked about these topics.
When answering questions, take a moment to think about what the Flight Examiner is actually asking you. Often candidates do not listen to the question and start talking about something else. The questions the flight examiner asks will be clear, simple and unambiguous. A simple question requires a simple answer - just answer the question and do not offer any more information. If the Flight Examiner requires further information they will ask for it. If you do not understand the question seek clarification before answering.
MOS Schedule 2 Competency Standards NTS1
NTS 1 Examination items for every flight test!
NTS1 Non-technical skills 1
1 Unit description
This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to manage a safe flight.
2 Elements and performance criteria
2.1 NTS1.1 – Maintain effective lookout
(a) maintain traffic separation using a systematic visual scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain;
(b) maintain radio listening watch and interpret transmissions to determine traffic location and intentions;
(c) perform airspace-cleared procedure before commencing any manoeuvre.
2.2 NTS1.2 – Maintain situational awareness
(a) monitor all aircraft systems using a systematic scan technique;
(b) collect information to facilitate ongoing system management;
(c) monitor flight environment for deviations from planned operations;
(d) collect flight environment information to update planned operations.
2.3 NTS1.3 – Assess situations and make decisions
(a) identify problems;
(b) analyse problems;
(c) identify solutions;
(d) assess solutions and risks;
(e) decide on a course of action;
(f) communicate plans of action (if appropriate);
(g) allocate tasks for action (if appropriate);
(h) take actions to achieve optimum outcomes for the operation;
(i) monitor progress against plan;
(j) re-evaluate plan to achieve optimum outcomes.
2.4 NTS1.4 – Set priorities and manage tasks
(a) organise workload and priorities to ensure optimum outcome of the flight;
(b) plan events and tasks to occur sequentially;
(c) anticipate events and tasks to ensure sufficient opportunity for completion;
(d) use technology to reduce workload and improve cognitive and manipulative activities.
2.5 NTS1.5 – Maintain effective communications and interpersonal relationships
(a) establish and maintain effective and efficient communications and interpersonal relationships with all stakeholders to ensure the optimum outcome of the flight;
(b) define and explain objectives to stakeholders;
(c) demonstrate a level of assertiveness that ensures the optimum completion of the flight.
3 Range of variables
(a) simulated conditions may be used where appropriate.
4 Underpinning knowledge of the following:
(a) effective communication under normal and non-normal circumstances;
(b) task management.
MOS Schedule 2 Competency Standards NTS2
NTS 2 Examination items for every flight test!
NTS2 Non-technical skills 2
1 Unit description
This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to recognise, direct and manage threats and errors during flight operations.
2 Elements and performance criteria
2.1 NTS2.1 – Recognise and manage threats
(a) identify relevant environmental or operational threats that are likely to affect the safety of the flight;
(b) identify when competing priorities and demands may represent a threat to the safety of the flight;
(c) develop and implement countermeasures to manage threats;
(d) monitor and assess flight progress to ensure a safe outcome, or modify actions when a safe outcome is not assured.
2.2 NTS2.2 – Recognise and manage errors
(a) apply checklists and standard operating procedures to prevent aircraft handling, procedural or communication errors;
(b) identify committed errors before safety is affected or the aircraft enters an undesired state;
(c) monitor the following to collect and analyse information to identify potential or actual errors:
(i) aircraft systems using a systematic scan technique;
(ii) the flight environment;
(iii) other crew;
(d) implement countermeasures to prevent errors or take action in the time available to correct errors before the aircraft enters an undesired state.
2.3 NTS2.3 – Recognise and manage undesired aircraft state
(a) recognise an undesired aircraft state;
(b) prioritise tasks to ensure an undesired aircraft state is managed effectively;
(c) apply corrective actions to recover an undesired aircraft state in a safe and timely manner.
3 Range of variables
(a) Reserved;
(b) simulated conditions may be used where appropriate.
4 Underpinning knowledge of the following:
(a) effective communication under normal and non-normal circumstances;
(b) threat and error management detailing processes that can be used to identify and mitigate or control threats and errors;
(c) the application of situational awareness to identifying real or potential environmental or operational threats to flight safety;
(d) developing and implementing plans of action for the following:
(i) removing and mitigating threats;
(ii) removing and mitigating errors;
(e) undesired aircraft states, including prevention, identifying and controlling;
(f) how an undesired aircraft state can develop from an unmanaged threat or error;
(g) what aspects of multi-crew operations (if applicable) can prevent an undesired aircraft state;
(h) use of checklists and standard operating procedures to prevent errors.
(i) task management, including:
(i) workload organisation and priority setting to ensure optimum safe outcome of the flight;
(ii) event planning to occur in a logical and sequential manner;
(iii) anticipating events to ensure sufficient opportunity is available for completion;
(iv) using technology to reduce workload and improve cognitive and manipulative activities;
(v) task prioritisation and protection whilst filtering and managing real time information.
IPC Flight Tolerances
Table 2: Aeroplane general flight tolerances – professional level
Applicability
1.1 The flight tolerances in this subsection apply to the following licences and ratings:
Instrument Rating;
Requirements
2.1 A person is required to perform flight manoeuvres within the flight tolerances mentioned in this table to be assessed as competent in the associated unit of competency.
Flight tolerances
Taxing aircraft ±1.5 metres of centreline
Nominated heading ±5°
Climb airspeed -0 / +5 kts
Level off from climb and descent ±100 ft
Straight and level Altitude ±100 ft IAS ±10 kts or ±M.02
Not below minimum approach speed.
Power descent ±10 kts
Glide -5 / +10 kts
Turns Angle of Bank ±5°
Turns onto nominated headings Heading ±5°
Steep Turn Heading ±10° Height ±100 Ft
Final approach airspeed -0 / +5 kts
Landing Touchdown ±60 m
Centreline tracking ±2 m
Asymmetric flight Heading – initial ±20° Heading – sustained ±5°
IAS -0 +5 kts
Limited panel instrument flying
Heading ±15° IAS ±10 kts or ±M0.02 Height ±200 ft
Table 5: Instrument approach tolerances
Applicability
1.1 The flight tolerances in this subsection apply to the following licences and ratings:
(a) instrument rating;
(b) multi-crew pilot licence;
(c) air transport pilot licence.
Requirements
2.1 A person is required to perform flight manoeuvres within the flight tolerances mentioned in this table to be assessed as competent in the associated unit of competency.
Flight tolerances
Parameter
Tolerance
2D approach
Lateral Path Tracking
± 5° of nominated track using azimuth guidance
± ½ scale deflection of nominated track using lateral course deviation indicator guidance
Within the RNP value specified for the published minimum altitude
± 2nm of a DME or GNSS arc
3D Approach
Lateral Path Tracking
As above for the lateral path guidance being used
3D Approach
Vertical Path
± ½ scale deflection or +/_ 75 ft for RNP BARO VNAV procedure
For an RNP LPV transients associated with aircraft configuration changes above +1/2 scale are acceptable
Transients associated with aircraft configuration changes above +75 ft are acceptable
Minimum Altitude
+100 ft, -0 ft at published minima descent altitude
Missed approach initiated not below decision altitude
IPC Flight Examiner Handbook Content
Press the button below to go to the CASA website
The sections that are relevant to the IPC Flight test are Section 4 NTS Assessment P49-P64 and Section 23 IPC Flight Test P232-242.
IPC Test Form 61-1512
Press the button below to go to the CASA website
This is the form that your Flight Examiner will use to assess you for the IPC Flight test.
FAQ IPC
Frequently Asked Questions IPC
The IPC revalidates your instrument privileges (not an initial grant). Ground usually runs ~45–60 min as an oral using today’s IFR plan: minima/alternates, PBN, fuel, airspace, automation, human factors.
What documents do I need on the table?
Licence/ARN & medical, proof of IR currency status (or lapse).
Logbook/e-log (IFR recency entries, approaches flown, holds).
Aircraft docs: MR, POH/AFM/supplements, IFR/PBN approvals, pitot-static & transponder test currency, NAV aid status, database current if RNAV.
Exactly those you present for: e.g., SE or ME, 2D and/or 3D approaches, circling, PBN (RNP APCH), etc. If you don’t demonstrate a privilege, it won’t be revalidated.
Do I need PBN approval for RNAV in the IPC? Yes. For RNP APCH, both aircraft and pilot must be PBN-approved with a current database. Be ready to discuss CDI scaling (en-route/terminal/final) and integrity/RAIM actions.
Usually at least one 2D (e.g., RNAV(LNAV), VOR/NDB) and one 3D (e.g., ILS or RNAV with vertical guidance) plus a missed approach. If circling is on your privileges, expect a circling segment (weather/airspace permitting).
What planning items must I know cold?
LSALT/MSA derivation.
Take-off/landing minima, alternate minima (weather & lighting).
Fuel (taxi, trip, contingency, fixed reserve, holding/missed, alternate).
QNH source effects and cold-temperature corrections (if applicable).
Expect mode-awareness questions (AP/FD/GPS), coupling to LOC/GS, VNAV usage for CDFA, missed-approach mode sequencing, and a reversion plan if automation or GNSS misbehaves.
Workload management, brief quality, checklists, fatigue/IFR traps, TEM. Expect “what-if” scenarios: late vectors, weather deterioration, nav failure.
Wrong alternate/minima logic.
Weak LSALT/MSA method or descent planning.
No plan for GNSS integrity loss or out-of-date database.
Sloppy fuel planning.
The IPC revalidates IR privileges per your category/endorsements; log as an IPC with date, examiner, aircraft, privileges demonstrated. Keep meeting ongoing IFR recency (e.g., approaches/holds within the period) until the next IPC. It lasts for 12 months and is valis to the end of the 12th month regardless of when you did the test.
Plan ~1.6 hr airborne (airspace-dependent): IFR departure → en-route segment → hold → Approach 1 (2D) → missed → re-position/hold → Approach 2 (3D) → landing (circling if claimed).
What tolerances are you using? Schedule 8 Professional Pilot:
Altitude: ±100 ft.
Heading/track: ±5° (or within ½-scale CDI / 1 dot localiser).
Airspeed: target −0/+10 kt (stabilised on final).
Keep GS ≤1 dot, LOC within ½-scale on 3D.
Short NITS-style brief: procedure/runway, nav source & modes, minima (DA/MDA and missed), CDFA gradient for 2D, step-downs, QNH source, circling area/speeds (if applicable), and missed-approach track/altitude/mode plan.
Correct entry, timing or distance legs, wind correction, protected-side awareness, altitude/speed control, and crisp intercepts. Verbalise your corrections before you start.
Prefer CDFA. Intercept, fly a stable path (e.g., ~3°), respect step-downs, no descent below MDA without required visual, go around at MAPt if not visual/specified vis not met.
Intercept localiser/final approach track, maintain GS within 1 dot and LOC within ½-scale, stabilised by your gate (e.g., 1000 ft AAL). Go missed at DA if not visual/vis below required.
Yes—expect at least one segment hand-flown raw data/FD-off, and a limited-panel or degraded-automation task to confirm scan and control.
Immediate power/attitude, positive climb, correct mode management (NAV/HDG/ALT, go-around mode), track/altitude per published missed (or ATC assigned), and proper clean-up & calls.
Unstable approach continued below the gate.
Busting MDA/DA without visual cues.
Wrong nav source/mode or loss of SA (altitude/step-down bust).
Poor missed approach execution (wrong track/altitude).
Inability to manage workload or automation safely.
Yes—good IFR airmanship includes asking ATC for time or a vector to set up. Keep flying first; communicate clearly.
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