Please make sure you have all of the following prior to the test day:

Training records, Logbook, Medical Certificate Class 1 or 2. PPL or CPL

The following forms will need to be available from the school or Flight Examiner:- 61-2I, 61-1504

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.

  • Quick PIFR pre-test checklist (bring/confirm)

    • Privileges printed on your licence: know exactly what you’re authorised to do (en-route/approach types/areas).

    • IFR plan & plates (database current if using RNAV).

    • LSALT/MSA computed and documented; alternate logic sound (weather & lighting).

    • Fuel: taxi/trip/contingency/fixed reserve/missed/holding/alternate.

    • Minima with QNH source and any cold-temp corrections.

    • Automation plan (AP/FD modes) and a reversion plan.

    • Integrity plan: RAIM/integrity checks and “what if GNSS drops.”

    • Abnormals you’ll brief: electrical load-shedding, pitot-static/attitude source failure, nav source failure.

Flight Instructor.jpg

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.

PIFR Flight Tolerances

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Table 2: Aeroplane general flight tolerances – professional level

Applicability

1.1 The flight tolerances in this subsection apply to the following licences and ratings:

  1.     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

PIFR Flight Examiner Handbook Content

Press the button below to go to the CASA website

The sections that are relevant to the PIFR Flight test are Section 4 NTS Assessment P49-P64 and Section 24 PIFR Rating Flight Test P243-252.

PIFR Test Form 61-1504

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 PIFR Flight test.

FAQ PIFR

Frequently Asked Questions PIFR

About 45–60 minutes. It’s an interactive oral using today’s IFR plan. We’ll sample your PIFR privileges, planning (LSALT/MSA, alternates, fuel), procedures, equipment/approvals, PBN (if applicable), and human factors/automation.

  • Licence/ARN & medical; PIFR training completion; recency/logbook entries.

  • Aircraft docs: MR, POH/AFM & supplements, IFR/PBN approvals as applicable, pitot-static/transponder tests current, nav aid serviceability (GNSS/VOR/NDB/LOC as relevant).

  • IFR plan: route, levels, LSALT/MSA, alternates, fuel plan, weather/NOTAMs, current database for any RNAV.

You may operate IFR as a private pilot within the authorisations printed on your licence (e.g., en-route IFR; specific approach types you’re endorsed for; any geographic/airspace limitations). You cannot use PIFR for commercial air transport. Bring your exact wording; I’ll assess within that scope.

Yes—if you intend to fly RNP APCH (RNAV) procedures, both the aircraft and you must be PBN-approved and the nav database current. Be ready to discuss CDI scaling and integrity/RAIM (and your plan if integrity is lost).

Within your PIFR authorisations. Usually one non-precision (2D) approach to published minima (e.g., RNAV(LNAV) or VOR/NDB), plus a missed approach. A circling segment may be included if it’s part of your privileges and conditions allow.

  • LSALT/MSA derivation and sector steps.

  • Alternate minima (weather & lighting) and when an alternate is required.

  • IFR fuel: taxi, trip, contingency, fixed reserve, missed/holding, alternate.

  • Departure/arrival minima where applicable and QNH source implications.

  • Cold-temperature and obstacle clearance effects if relevant.

You may use automation smartly. You still need to hand-fly accurately if asked and manage modes without surprises. For GNSS, demonstrate raw-data cross-checks where possible and a coherent reversion plan.

Enough to prove you can operate and troubleshoot in IMC: electrical/alternator & load-shedding, vacuum/gyro or AHRS failure modes, pitot-static issues, de-ice/anti-ice if fitted, and your lighting/instrument back-up plan.

  • Weak or incorrect alternate/minima logic.

  • Can’t justify LSALT/MSA or descent planning.

  • No integrity plan for GNSS or database out of date.

  • Sloppy fuel planning or ignoring weather/NOTAM constraints.

PIFR requires a flight review (typically 2-yearly) and specific IFR recency appropriate to your privileges (e.g., approaches within period, holding if applicable). Know how you’ll keep your privileges current.

Plan ~2.6 hours airborne (airspace-dependent): start/taxi → IFR departure (procedural or vector) → en-route segment (accurate level/track) → hold (if applicable) → Approach 1 (2D)missed approach → reposition/hold or vector → arrival/landing (circling segment if within privileges/conditions).

Schedule 8 Professional Pilot.  Altitude ±100 ft, Heading/track ±5° (or within ½-scale CDI / 1 dot localiser), airspeed target −0/+10 kt when stabilised, intercept/establish promptly, clean mode management.

Correct entry, timing (or distance legs for RNAV), altitude/speed control, wind corrections, and neat intercepts. Brief the protected side, outbound timing or DME distance, and your corrections before you start.

Procedure name/runway, nav source/modes, minima (MDA/DA & missed), CDFA gradient for 2D, step-downs, QNH source, circling area/speeds if applicable, and the missed approach nav/track. Short and structured.

Prefer CDFA. Intercept the final approach, maintain a stable descent (e.g., ~3°), observe step-downs, respect MDA (no “duck under”), and go around at MAPt if not visual or requirements not met.

Only if your PIFR privileges and aircraft approvals include a 3D/vertical guidance procedure. If not, we’ll keep to the authorised 2D profile(s).

Continuing unstable below the stabilisation gate, busting MDA/DA without required visual cues, incorrect nav source/mode, loss of SA on step-downs, or a poor missed approach (wrong track/altitude).

Usually yes—at least a segment hand-flown raw data/FD-off, or a limited-panel element to confirm scan and control. The depth reflects your privileges and conditions.

Prompt power/attitude, positive climb, mode management (NAV/HDG and vertical), follow the published missed (or assigned), retract on schedule, and communicate. Don’t dither—fly the published profile.

Yes. Good IFR airmanship includes asking ATC for time or a vector to set up. Keep flying first; communicate clearly.

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