Website Builder



PILOT EXAMS & TESTING

Horizon Airways is able to conduct theory exams and flight tests for Recreational, Private or Commercial Pilot Licences plus RA-Aus to RPL Conversion, as well as Flight Reviews ( SEA, MEA, NVFR, PIR) and English Language Proficiency.

English Language Proficiency

General English Language Proficiency

The General English Language Proficiency (GELP) will assess your everyday use of English. It does not test your knowledge of aviation terminology and can only be used to apply for RPL without a flight radio endorsement and AROC.

Please allow 30 minutes for the interview. This interview will assess your ability to:

> pronounce words clearly, using an accent that does not cause difficulty in understanding
> convey information in clearly structured sentences without confusion or ambiguity
use your vocabulary to accurately communicate on general and technical topics, without excessive use of jargon, slang or colloquial language
> speak fluently without long pauses, repetition or excessive false starts
respond to communications with actions that show that the information has been received and understood
> exchange information clearly in a variety of situations with both expert and non-expert English speakers while giving and receiving timely and appropriate responses
> use appropriate techniques such as questioning, non-verbal communication and paraphrasing to validate communications.

You will not be tested on aviation terminology.


Aviation English Language Proficiency

The Aviation English language proficiency (AELP) will assess your verbal proficiency in English and aviation terminology.

You will need to hold a AELP to get your recreational pilot licence (RPL) with a flight radio endorsement, private pilot licence (PPL), commercial pilot licence (CPL), air transport pilot licence (ATPL), flight engineer licence (FEL) or air traffic controller (ATC) licence.

Please allow 30 minutes for the interview with our assessor. You will be assessed on pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interactions. You will be scored between 1 and 6.

If you do not receive a score of 6 you will need to attend a specialist assessor. 


Pilot Theory Exams

RPLA Theory Exam

Time permitted 2 hours. Pass mark, not less than 70%

A candidate may use either the Airservices List, or the Jeppesen List of permitted materials onlyas per CASA requirements. All other combinations of materials are not permitted.

Permitted material to be provided by the Invigilator with the examination, which must be returned on completion of examination:

RPL, PPL and CPL (Aeroplane) workbook, pen, pencil, ruler, eraser and scribble pad only.

Warning: The VFRG may not contain updated regulations, orders and/or procedures. As exam questions are based on current laws and procedures, use of the VFRG should be supported by current publications.

Warning: Candidates are reminded that the examination content (questions and/or answers) and all material provided are only for the sitting of the examination, and must not be copied or taken out of the examination room for study, training or any other purposes. This rule includes all calculations, writings, drawings or scribbling done on the scribble pad provided. Any breach of the rules may give CASA grounds for taking action against the candidate under CAR 298A, which action could lead to the outcome indicated in CAR 298A (5).

Note: The VFRG referred to in these lists of permitted material is that document produced by CASA and not by a third party.

PPLA Theory Exam

Time permitted 3 hours 30 minutes. Pass mark, not less than 70%

A candidate may use either the Airservices List, or the Jeppesen List of permitted materials only as per CASA requirements. All other combinations of materials are not permitted.

Permitted material to be provided by the Invigilator with the examination, which must be returned on completion of examination:

RPL, PPL and CPL (Aeroplane) workbook, pen, pencil, ruler, eraser and scribble pad only.

Warning: The VFRG may not contain updated regulations, orders and/or procedures. As exam questions are based on current laws and procedures, use of the VFRG should be supported by current publications.

Warning: Candidates are reminded that the examination content (questions and/or answers) and all material provided are only for the sitting of the examination, and must not be copied or taken out of the examination room for study, training or any other purposes. This rule includes all calculations, writings, drawings or scribbling done on the scribble pad provided. Any breach of the rules may give CASA grounds for taking action against the candidate under CAR 298A, which action could lead to the outcome indicated in CAR 298A (5).

Note: The VFRG referred to in these lists of permitted material is that document produced by CASA and not by a third party.

Pilot Flight Testing

RPLA Flight Test

Length approx 3 to 4 hours.

Prior to your flight, an approx 1 hour ground component where the examiner will assess your theory knowledge as per the Manual of Standards.

You will have a 1 hour 30 mintues general handling of the aircraft exercise consisting of approx 1 hour in the training area and approx 30 minutes in the circuit area..

PPLA Flight Test

Length approx 4 to 5 hours.

Prior to your flight, an approx 1 hour ground component where the examiner will assess your theory knowledge as per the Manual of Standards.

You will have a 2 hours 30 mintues navigation and general handling of the aircraft exercise consisting of approx  2 hours navigation and approx 30 minutes general handling..

CPLA Flight Test

Length approx 5 to 6 hours.

Prior to your flight, an approx 2 hour ground component where the examiner will assess your theory knowledge as per the Manual of Standards.

You will have a 3 hour navigation (exercise conducted as a simulated charter flight) and general handling of the aircraft exercise consisting of approx 2.5 hours navigation and approx 30 minutes general handling..

RA-Aus to RPL Conversion

RA-Aus Pilots wanting to convert their Pilot Certificate to a Recreational Pilot Licence are able to do so quickly and simply with Horizon Airways.


To get started, check to ensure you have all of the following:


- An Aviation Reference Number (ARN)

- A Basic Class 2 Aviation Medical (or higher)

- An Aviation English Language Assessment


If you don’t have any of the above items, Horizon Airways will be able to assist you in obtaining them.


After obtaining the above items, you will need to complete the CASA Form 61-1RTX - Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) to convert your certificate to an RPL. Once this is processed by CASA, they will issue you an RPL without a current Flight Review.


To exercise the privileges of the RPL, you will need to undertake General Competency Training and a Flight Review. The General Competency Training will familiarise you with systems, handling and operation of common GA aircraft, while the Flight Review will certify that you meet the standard required to exercise the privileges of the licence.