Please make sure you have all of the following prior to the test day:
Training records, Logbook, Medical Certificate Class 1 or 2. PPL, CPL or ATPL
The following forms will need to be available from the school or Flight Examiner:- 61-2I, 61-1503
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 2.3 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.
IFR plan & plates (current database), PBN confirmed for any RNAV you’ll fly.
LSALT/MSA computed and documented; alternate logic sound.
Fuel: taxi/trip/contingency/fixed reserve/holding/missed/alternate.
Minima with QNH source and any cold-temp corrections.
Automation plan: who/what/when (AP/FD modes), and a reversion plan.
Integrity plan: RAIM/integrity check & “what if GNSS drops.”
Brief templates ready (SID/STAR/hold/2D/3D/missed).
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.
IR 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
IR Flight Examiner Handbook Content
Press the button below to go to the CASA website
The sections that are relevant to the IR Flight test are Section 4 NTS Assessment P49-P64 and Section 22 IR Flight Test P223-231.
IR Test Form 61-1503
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 IR Flight test.
FAQ IR
Frequently Asked Questions IR
Around 45–60 minutes. It’s an oral, scenario-based brief using tonight’s/ today’s IFR plan: alternates, fuel, weather, procedures, equipment, PBN, and human factors/automation.
Licence/ARN & medical; IR training completion; theory pass(es); logbook recency.
Aircraft docs: Maintenance Release, POH/AFM/Supplements, IFR/PBN approvals, pitot-static/transponder tests current, ADF/VOR/GNSS serviceability as applicable.
IFR flight plan: route, SIDs/STARs, levels, LSALT/MSA, alternates, fuel plan, weather/NOTAMs, approach plates (current database).
Whatever your planned procedures require: GNSS (IFR-approved) for RNAV, serviceable VHF NAV (for ILS/LOC/VOR), ADF if using NDB, Mode C/S transponder, two-way radio, and lighting/instruments for IFR. If you brief RNP APCH, you need PBN approval and a current nav database.
Only for approved procedures and within your aircraft’s approvals. Know RAIM/ABAS/integrity monitoring, CDI scaling (en-route/terminal/approach), and what you’ll do if integrity is lost (revert to an alternative procedure or missed approach).
What approach mix is required in the test? You’ll demonstrate at least one 3D (e.g., ILS or approved vertical guidance) and one 2D (e.g., RNAV(LNAV) or VOR/NDB) plus a missed approach. A circling segment may be included where appropriate.
LSALT/MSA derivation and sector steps.
Alternate minima (weather & lighting) and when you must nominate an alternate.
IFR fuel breakdown: taxi, trip, contingency, fixed reserve, missed/holding, alternate.
Take-off/landing minima for your aerodrome(s).
Cold-temperature and QNH source effects on minima.
Expect questions on RNP specs, CDI sensitivity changes (e.g., 1 NM → 0.3 NM in final), database currency, waypoint sequencing, overlay vs conventional procedures, and GNSS NOTAMs.
I’ll sample SIDs/STARs, IFR levels/separation responsibilities, RNAV vs conventional holdings/entries, radio calls, and lost-comms procedures. Correct plates, correct altitudes, correct speeds.
Yes—smart use of automation is good airmanship. You must still be able to hand-fly accurately when asked, manage modes, and avoid “automation surprises.”
What are the big ground-phase “fails”?
Weak or wrong alternate/minima logic.
Can’t justify LSALT/MSA or descent planning.
No plan for GNSS integrity loss or database out-of-date.
Sloppy or incomplete fuel planning.
Expect ~2.6 hours airborne (airspace-dependent): start/taxi → IFR departure (SID or procedural) → en-route segment → hold → approach 1 (2D) → missed approach → reposition/hold → approach 2 (3D) → landing (or circling segment as briefed).
Schedule 8 Professional Pilot
Altitude: ±100 ft (en-route/holding/approach segments).
Heading/track: ±5° (or within ½-scale CDI/1 dot localiser), keep glideslope ≤1 dot.
Airspeed: target −0/+10 kt (stabilised on final).
Correct entry, timing/leg lengths (or RNAV distance legs), altitude and speed control, and neat intercepts with wind correction. Brief the protected side and your outbound timing or DME leg length before you start.
A concise NITS-style brief:
Procedure name/runway, nav source/modes, minima (DA/MDA & missed), gradient for 2D, altitudes/step-downs, missed approach nav & track, QNH source, circling area/speeds if applicable, and who does what.
Stable path (e.g., 3°), cross-checks at FAF/FAP, MDA respected (no dip), go-around if not visual at MAPt or below RVR/visibility requirement. Altitude/track within tolerance, good energy management.
Intercept and maintain the glidepath within 1 dot, keep localiser within ½-scale, stabilised by 1000 ft AAL (or operator gate), correct missed approach at DA if required.
Unstable (speed/track/vertical) not corrected and continued below the gate.
Busting MDA/DA without required visual references.
Loss of situational awareness (wrong altitude/step-down) or incorrect nav source.
Poor missed approach execution (wrong track/altitude).
Usually yes—at least a segment hand-flown on raw data/FD off, and a limited-panel or automation-degraded element to confirm scan and control.
Prompt power/attitude, positive climb, mode management (NAV/HDG, lateral/vertical), follow the published missed (or assigned), retract on schedule, and communicate. Don’t hunt—fly the published profile.
Yes. Good IFR airmanship includes asking for time or a vector to set up. Keep flying first; communicate clearly.
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