CPL Written Exam (CPAER) Practice Questions

1. Question 1 of 13Navigation — Cruising Altitudes

   In the Northern Domestic Airspace, VFR in level cruise more than 3,000 ft AGL, your magnetic track is 090° and the variation is 25°W. Is 6,500 ft ASL an appropriate cruising altitude?

   1Yes: 6,500 ft is the VFR altitude for a magnetic track of 090°2Yes: the cruising-altitude rule does not apply in the north3No: on a true track of 065° it should be 5,500 or 7,500 ft4No: on a true track of 115° it should be 6,000 or 8,000 ft
   Answer and explanation

   Answer

   3No: on a true track of 065° it should be 5,500 or 7,500 ft

   Explanation

   The altitude follows "the true track, in the Northern Domestic Airspace" (CARs 602.34(1)(b)). With 25°W variation, true track = magnetic track − 25° = 065°. The table to CARs 602.34 gives tracks 000° to 179° odd thousands plus 500 ft in VFR: 5,500 or 7,500 ft. 6,500 ft is a westbound altitude.

   The other options

   • 1Yes: 6,500 ft is the VFR altitude for a magnetic track of 090°Magnetic track is used in the Southern Domestic Airspace (CARs 602.34(1)(a)), not in the north.
   • 2Yes: the cruising-altitude rule does not apply in the northCARs 602.34(1)(b) applies the rule in the Northern Domestic Airspace, on true track.
   • 4No: on a true track of 115° it should be 6,000 or 8,000 ftWesterly variation is subtracted from magnetic to give true: 090° − 25° is 065°. And VFR altitudes end in 500 ft.

   Source

   CARs 602.34(1) and (2) and the table to CARs 602.34; TC AIM (October 1, 2026) RAC 2.3.1.

   Taught in: CPL › Advanced Navigation
2. Question 2 of 13Navigation — Cruising Altitudes

   You are in IFR level cruise at 8,000 ft ASL on a track of 270° in the Southern Domestic Airspace, with no altitude assigned by ATC. Is the altitude appropriate?

   1Yes: westbound IFR altitudes are even thousands2No: westbound IFR altitudes are odd thousands3No: IFR altitudes end in 500 ft, as VFR ones do4Yes, but only because it is below 10,000 ft
   Answer and explanation

   Answer

   1Yes: westbound IFR altitudes are even thousands

   Explanation

   The table to CARs 602.34 gives IFR flight on tracks 180° to 359° even thousands (2,000, 4,000, 6,000, 8,000 ft), and tracks 000° to 179° odd thousands. CARs 602.34(2)(b) applies it to IFR level cruise unless ATC assigns another altitude.

   The other options

   • 2No: westbound IFR altitudes are odd thousandsOdd thousands are the eastbound IFR altitudes (tracks 000° to 179°).
   • 3No: IFR altitudes end in 500 ft, as VFR ones doThe 500 ft is added only in VFR. IFR altitudes are whole thousands below 18,000 ft.
   • 4Yes, but only because it is below 10,000 ftThe table covers every altitude to 18,000 ft and flight levels above it. 10,000 ft has no bearing on it.

   Source

   CARs 602.34(2)(b) and the table to CARs 602.34; TC AIM (October 1, 2026) RAC 2.3.1.

   Taught in: CPL › Advanced Navigation
3. Question 3 of 13Navigation — Fuel Planning

   Day VFR in an aeroplane: 240 NM at a groundspeed of 120 kt, burning 36 L/h. What is the least fuel for the trip and the reserve, before the allowances of CARs 602.88(5)?

   172 L2108 L3126 L490 L
   Answer and explanation

   Answer

   490 L

   Explanation

   Time = 240 NM ÷ 120 kt = 2.0 h, so trip fuel = 2.0 h × 36 L/h = 72 L. By day an aeroplane must be able "to fly to the destination aerodrome and then to fly for a period of 30 minutes at normal cruising speed" (CARs 602.88(3)(a)(i)): 0.5 h × 36 L/h = 18 L. 72 + 18 = 90 L. Taxiing, weather, routings and delays come on top (602.88(5)).

   The other options

   • 172 L72 L is the trip alone, with no reserve.
   • 2108 L108 L adds a 60-minute reserve. By day it is 30 minutes.
   • 3126 L126 L adds a 90-minute reserve. By day it is 30 minutes.

   Source

   CARs 602.88(3)(a)(i) and (5).

   Taught in: CPL › Advanced Navigation
4. Question 4 of 13Navigation — Fuel Planning

   Beyond the trip and the reserve, what else must the fuel on board provide for under CARs 602.88(5)?

   1Only the fuel to fly on to an alternate aerodrome, if filed2Taxiing, weather, routings and other foreseeable delays3Only taxiing; the reserve covers everything else4Nothing, once the reserve is on board
   Answer and explanation

   Answer

   2Taxiing, weather, routings and other foreseeable delays

   Explanation

   Every aircraft must carry fuel for "taxiing and foreseeable delays prior to take-off", "meteorological conditions", "foreseeable air traffic routings and traffic delays", a diversion after loss of cabin pressurization or an engine failure at the most critical point, and "any other foreseeable conditions that could delay the landing of the aircraft" (CARs 602.88(5)).

   The other options

   • 1Only the fuel to fly on to an alternate aerodrome, if filedAn alternate is part of the IFR rule (CARs 602.88(4)). Subsection (5) applies to every flight.
   • 3Only taxiing; the reserve covers everything elseThe reserve is time after the destination. The allowances of 602.88(5) come on top of it.
   • 4Nothing, once the reserve is on boardCARs 602.88(5) applies to every aircraft, on top of subsections (3) and (4).

   Source

   CARs 602.88(4) and (5).

   Taught in: CPL › Advanced Navigation
5. Question 5 of 13Navigation — Altimeter Setting Procedures

   You are descending from a flight level in the standard pressure region toward an aerodrome in the altimeter setting region. When do you set the station's altimeter setting?

   1Immediately before entering the altimeter setting region2On reaching 10,000 ft ASL3Only once established in the circuit4Just after you have entered the altimeter setting region
   Answer and explanation

   Answer

   1Immediately before entering the altimeter setting region

   Explanation

   Flying from the standard pressure region into the altimeter setting region, set "the altimeter setting of the nearest station along the route of flight" (or of a station near the route, where they are more than 150 NM apart) "immediately before the aircraft’s entry into the altimeter-setting region" (CARs 602.37(b)). The change is made while still in the standard pressure region.

   The other options

   • 2On reaching 10,000 ft ASL10,000 ft has no part in the altimeter rules. The boundary is the edge of the altimeter setting region.
   • 3Only once established in the circuitBy then you have flown in the setting region on the wrong datum. Before landing you need the aerodrome's setting (CARs 602.35(c)).
   • 4Just after you have entered the altimeter setting regionDescending, it is before entry, not after. After entry is the rule for climbing into the standard pressure region (CARs 602.37(a)).

   Source

   CARs 602.35(c) and 602.37; TC AIM (October 1, 2026) RAC 2.11(d).

   Taught in: CPL › Advanced Navigation
6. Question 6 of 13Aeronautics General Knowledge — Performance

   Two take-offs from the same aerodrome, elevation 2,000 ft. Day 1: 5°C, altimeter 30.10 in Hg. Day 2: 32°C, altimeter 29.70 in Hg. Which day has the higher density altitude?

   1Day 1, because the higher altimeter setting raises it2Neither: density altitude depends on elevation only3Day 1, because cold air raises density altitude4Day 2, because heat and low pressure both raise it
   Answer and explanation

   Answer

   4Day 2, because heat and low pressure both raise it

   Explanation

   Density altitude "is the altitude in ISA at which the air density would be equal to the air density at field elevation at the current temperature" (TC AIM MET 8.4.3(d)). It is worked from the aerodrome's pressure altitude, which is higher when the altimeter setting is lower, and TC AIM adds about 118.8 ft for every degree Celsius above ISA. Day 2 is both hotter and lower in pressure, so its air is thinner and the aircraft performs as if from a higher aerodrome.

   The other options

   • 1Day 1, because the higher altimeter setting raises itA higher altimeter setting lowers the pressure altitude, and with it the density altitude.
   • 2Neither: density altitude depends on elevation onlyTemperature and pressure change density altitude at the same elevation (TC AIM MET 8.4.3(d)).
   • 3Day 1, because cold air raises density altitudeCold air is denser, which lowers density altitude; it can even fall below the elevation.

   Source

   TC AIM (October 1, 2026) MET 8.4.3(d) and MET 8.2; AIR 1.5.2 and AIR 1.5.3.

   Taught in: CPL › Advanced Aeronautics
7. Question 7 of 13Air Law — VFR Minima

   By day you leave a control zone VFR and continue in uncontrolled airspace below 1,000 ft AGL. Flight visibility is 2 miles throughout. Is that legal in each?

   1Legal in both: 2 miles meets every daytime VFR rule2Not in the control zone; legal in the uncontrolled airspace3Legal in the control zone; not in the uncontrolled airspace4Legal in neither: daytime VFR always needs 3 miles
   Answer and explanation

   Answer

   2Not in the control zone; legal in the uncontrolled airspace

   Explanation

   In controlled airspace, which includes a control zone, flight visibility must be "not less than three miles" (CARs 602.114(b)). Below 1,000 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace, an aeroplane needs, "during the day, flight visibility is not less than two miles", clear of cloud (CARs 602.115(c)).

   The other options

   • 1Legal in both: 2 miles meets every daytime VFR ruleControlled airspace needs 3 miles (CARs 602.114(b)).
   • 3Legal in the control zone; not in the uncontrolled airspaceIt is the other way round: the control zone needs 3 miles, and low-level uncontrolled airspace by day needs 2.
   • 4Legal in neither: daytime VFR always needs 3 milesBelow 1,000 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace by day, 2 miles is enough (CARs 602.115(c)(i)).

   Source

   CARs 602.114(b) and (d); CARs 602.115(c).

   Taught in: CPL › Advanced Air Law
8. Question 8 of 13Air Law — VFR Minima

   Which pairing of conditions is correct?

   1Special VFR in an aeroplane: 3 miles. VFR over-the-top: day or night, 500 ft from cloud2Special VFR in an aeroplane: no ATC authorization. VFR over-the-top: 3 miles at cruise3Special VFR in an aeroplane: 1 mile, ATC authorization. VFR over-the-top: day, 5 miles4Special VFR in an aeroplane: 1/2 mile. VFR over-the-top: an instrument rating
   Answer and explanation

   Answer

   3Special VFR in an aeroplane: 1 mile, ATC authorization. VFR over-the-top: day, 5 miles

   Explanation

   Special VFR in a control zone needs flight visibility of "one mile, where the aircraft is not a helicopter" and an authorization "requested and obtained from the appropriate air traffic control unit" (CARs 602.117(1)). VFR over-the-top is allowed only "during the cruise portion of the flight during the day", at least 1,000 ft from cloud and with "flight visibility at the cruising altitude of the aircraft is at least five miles" (CARs 602.116).

   The other options

   • 1Special VFR in an aeroplane: 3 miles. VFR over-the-top: day or night, 500 ft from cloudSpecial VFR needs 1 mile, not 3, and VFR over-the-top is day only, at least 1,000 ft from cloud.
   • 2Special VFR in an aeroplane: no ATC authorization. VFR over-the-top: 3 miles at cruiseSpecial VFR always needs ATC authorization, and VFR over-the-top needs 5 miles at cruise.
   • 4Special VFR in an aeroplane: 1/2 mile. VFR over-the-top: an instrument ratingHalf a mile is the helicopter value. VFR over-the-top has no instrument-rating condition in CARs 602.116.

   Source

   CARs 602.116; CARs 602.117(1).

   Taught in: CPL › Advanced Air Law
9. Question 9 of 13Air Law — Airspace

   You are flying controlled VFR (CVFR) in Class B airspace on a track of 090°, with no altitude assigned. Which cruising altitude is appropriate?

   115,500 ft, as for VFR on an easterly track216,000 ft, as for IFR on an easterly track315,000 ft, as for IFR on an easterly track416,500 ft, as for VFR on a westerly track
   Answer and explanation

   Answer

   315,000 ft, as for IFR on an easterly track

   Explanation

   "CVFR flights must be conducted in accordance with procedures designed for use by IFR flights" (TC AIM RAC 5.6), and the cruising-altitude rule applies "during a CVFR flight" with IFR and CVFR sharing the odd thousands on tracks 000° to 179° (TC AIM RAC 2.3.1, Table 2.1). Class B is low-level controlled airspace above 12,500 ft ASL, or the MEA if higher, to below 18,000 ft ASL (Designated Airspace Handbook, 29 October 2026), so 15,000 ft is in it.

   The other options

   • 115,500 ft, as for VFR on an easterly track15,500 ft is a VFR altitude. A CVFR flight uses the IFR altitudes.
   • 216,000 ft, as for IFR on an easterly trackEven thousands are the IFR and CVFR altitudes for tracks 180° to 359°.
   • 416,500 ft, as for VFR on a westerly track16,500 ft is a westbound VFR altitude, wrong on both counts.

   Source

   CARs 601.07(1); CARs 101.01 ("CVFR or controlled VFR flight"); TC AIM (October 1, 2026) RAC 2.3.1 (Table 2.1) and RAC 5.6; Designated Airspace Handbook (TP 1820E), effective 29 October 2026.

   Taught in: CPL › Advanced Air Law
10. Question 10 of 13Air Law — Right-of-Way

    Two aeroplanes are approaching an aerodrome to land. Which statement is correct?

    1The higher one has the right of way, as it reached final first2The faster one has the right of way on final approach3The circuit aircraft has priority over a straight-in arrival4The lower one has the right of way, but may not cut in front
    Answer and explanation

    Answer

    4The lower one has the right of way, but may not cut in front

    Explanation

    An aircraft approaching to land "shall give way to any aircraft at a lower altitude that is also approaching the aerodrome for the purpose of landing" (CARs 602.19(8)). But the lower aircraft "shall not overtake or cut in front of an aircraft at a higher altitude that is in the final stages of an approach to land" (602.19(9)). Anyone else in flight or on the surface gives way to an aircraft landing or about to land (602.19(7)).

    The other options

    • 1The higher one has the right of way, as it reached final firstThe lower aircraft has the right of way (CARs 602.19(8)).
    • 2The faster one has the right of way on final approachSpeed does not decide it. Height does, with the limit in 602.19(9).
    • 3The circuit aircraft has priority over a straight-in arrivalCARs 602.19 has no such priority. The landing rules of 602.19(7) to (9) apply to both.

    Source

    CARs 602.19(7) to (9).

    Taught in: CPL › Advanced Air Law
11. Question 11 of 13Air Law — Minimum Altitudes

    Over a town, the highest obstacle within 2,000 ft of your aeroplane is a mast whose top is at 1,350 ft ASL. What is the lowest altitude you may fly?

    11,850 ft ASL22,350 ft ASL33,350 ft ASL41,000 ft AGL
    Answer and explanation

    Answer

    22,350 ft ASL

    Explanation

    Over a built-up area an aeroplane must be not lower than "1,000 feet above the highest obstacle located within a horizontal distance of 2,000 feet from the aeroplane" (CARs 602.14(2)(a)(i)): 1,350 + 1,000 = 2,350 ft ASL. It must also be high enough to land in an emergency without a hazard on the surface.

    The other options

    • 11,850 ft ASLThis adds 500 ft. 500 ft is the distance from persons and structures in other circumstances (CARs 602.14(2)(b)).
    • 33,350 ft ASLThis adds 2,000 ft. 2,000 ft is the rule over an aerodrome (CARs 602.96(4)).
    • 41,000 ft AGLThe rule is measured from the highest obstacle, not from the ground: here that is 1,000 ft above the mast.

    Source

    CARs 602.14(2)(a)(i) and (b); CARs 602.96(4).

    Taught in: CPL › Advanced Air Law
12. Question 12 of 13Air Law — Airspeed

    You are below 3,000 ft AGL, within 10 NM of a controlled aerodrome, and below 10,000 ft ASL. With no ATC authorization, what is your maximum indicated airspeed?

    1200 kt2250 kt3180 kt4No limit applies
    Answer and explanation

    Answer

    1200 kt

    Explanation

    Two limits apply: 250 kt below 10,000 ft ASL (CARs 602.32(1)(a)), and "200 knots if the aircraft is below 3,000 feet AGL within 10 nautical miles of a controlled aerodrome unless authorized to do so in an air traffic control clearance" (602.32(1)(b)). The lower, 200 kt, governs. If the aircraft's minimum safe airspeed is higher, it is flown at that (602.32(3)).

    The other options

    • 2250 kt250 kt is the general limit below 10,000 ft ASL. Within 10 NM and below 3,000 ft AGL the lower 200 kt also applies.
    • 3180 ktNo rule in CARs 602.32 sets 180 kt.
    • 4No limit appliesCARs 602.32(1)(b) applies near a controlled aerodrome unless ATC authorizes otherwise.

    Source

    CARs 602.32(1) and (3).

    Taught in: CPL › Advanced Air Law
13. Question 13 of 13Air Law — Icing

    Before a winter departure with passengers on board, you find frost on the wings, not caused by cold-soaked fuel, and decide to de-ice. What do the CARs require?

    1Take-off is allowed if the frost is on the upper surfaces only2Passengers need no information about de-icing3No take-off with the frost; tell crew and passengers you will de-ice4No take-off with the frost; de-ice first, and the passengers need not be told
    Answer and explanation

    Answer

    3No take-off with the frost; tell crew and passengers you will de-ice

    Explanation

    "No person shall conduct or attempt to conduct a take-off in an aircraft that has frost, ice or snow adhering to any of its critical surfaces" (CARs 602.11(2)), and the wings are critical surfaces (602.11(1)). And "before an aircraft is de-iced or anti-iced, the pilot-in-command of the aircraft shall ensure that the crew members and passengers are informed of the decision to do so" (CARs 602.11(7)).

    The other options

    • 1Take-off is allowed if the frost is on the upper surfaces onlyUpper-surface frost is allowed only when caused by cold-soaked fuel and under the manufacturer's instructions (CARs 602.11(3)).
    • 2Passengers need no information about de-icingCARs 602.11(7) requires crew members and passengers to be told of the decision to de-ice or anti-ice.
    • 4No take-off with the frost; de-ice first, and the passengers need not be toldDe-icing is right, but CARs 602.11(7) requires the crew and passengers to be informed first.

    Source

    CARs 602.11(1) to (3) and (7).

    Taught in: CPL › Advanced Air Law

Checked 30 October 2026. CARs 101.01, 601.07, 602.11, 602.14, 602.19, 602.32, 602.34 and its table, 602.35, 602.37, 602.88, 602.96 and 602.114 to 602.117 checked against SOR/96-433 as consolidated to 17 June 2026 (Justice Laws Website, current to 30 September 2026). TC AIM AIR 1.5.2 and 1.5.3, MET 8.2 and 8.4.3(d), and RAC 2.3.1, 2.11 and 5.6 checked against TC AIM, October 1, 2026. Class B airspace checked against the Designated Airspace Handbook (TP 1820E), effective 29 October 2026. The questions, explanations and exhibits are TC Exam Prep's own. TC Exam Prep is independent and not affiliated with Transport Canada.