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Key Facts: ATPL Air Law Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

40

Official Questions

CASA

80%

Pass Mark

CASA

2.0 hrs

Time Limit

CASA

The CASA ATPL Air Law (AALW) exam is a 40-question theory test on airline regulations and multi-crew operations, requiring an 80% passing score. The time limit is 2.0 hours. This prep includes 100 practice questions.

Sample ATPL Air Law Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the ATPL Air Law exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the hierarchy of civil aviation legislation in Australia, from highest authority to lowest?
A.Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR), followed by the Civil Aviation Act, and then the AIP.
B.Civil Aviation Act 1988, followed by Regulations (CAR and CASR), and then Manuals of Standards (MOS).
C.Manuals of Standards (MOS), followed by Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR), and then the Civil Aviation Act.
D.The Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), followed by Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, and then the Civil Aviation Act.
Explanation: In Australia, the Civil Aviation Act 1988 is the primary legislation passed by Parliament. The Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) and Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) are subordinate legislation made under the Act, while the Manual of Standards (MOS) for each Part provides mandatory technical details subordinate to the regulations. The AIP is an information service publication, not primary legislation.
2Under CASR Part 119 and Part 121, what is the passenger seating capacity threshold that defines a large aeroplane for commercial air transport?
A.More than 19 passenger seats.
B.More than 9 passenger seats.
C.More than 30 passenger seats.
D.More than 50 passenger seats.
Explanation: Under the Australian CASR framework, Part 121 applies to commercial air transport operations in large aeroplanes, which are defined as aeroplanes with a maximum passenger seating capacity of more than 9 seats or a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of more than 8,618 kg. Part 135 applies to smaller aeroplanes with 9 or fewer passenger seats and an MTOW at or below 8,618 kg.
3What is the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) threshold that divides Part 121 (large aeroplane) operations from Part 135 (small aeroplane) operations?
A.5,700 kg
B.10,000 kg
C.25,000 kg
D.8,618 kg
Explanation: Under the CASR dictionary, an aeroplane is classified as 'large' (falling under Part 121) if its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is more than 8,618 kg or if it has a passenger seating capacity of more than 9. Aeroplanes at or below this weight and seating limit fall under Part 135 for commercial air transport.
4Which of the following document suites is designated under Part 91 as mandatory to be carried on board an aircraft during a commercial air transport flight?
A.The aircraft's flight manual (AFM), the certificate of airworthiness, the noise certificate (if applicable), and the aircraft radio licence.
B.The operations manual, the pilot logbook, the flight plan, and the CAR 1988 volumes.
C.Only the pilot logbook, the medical certificate, and the pilot licence.
D.The AIP complete volume, the ERSA, and the dangerous goods manual.
Explanation: CASR Part 91 specifies the documents that must be carried on board an aircraft during flight. These include the aircraft's flight manual (AFM) or an approved equivalent, the certificate of airworthiness, the noise certificate (if required), and the aircraft radio licence. Logbooks, complete regulation volumes, and AIP volumes are not universally required to be carried on board.
5Under CASR Part 119, who are designated as 'key personnel' whose roles must be approved by CASA for an air transport operator?
A.The Chief Pilot, Chief Engineer, Lead Dispatcher, and Maintenance Director.
B.The CEO, Chief Pilot, Flight Operations Manager, and Security Manager.
C.The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Head of Flying Operations (HOFO), Safety Manager, and Head of Training and Checking (if applicable).
D.The Head of Flying Operations, Safety Officer, Compliance Director, and Training Captain.
Explanation: CASR Part 119 identifies the key personnel for an air transport operator. For a Part 121 operator, this includes the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Head of Flying Operations (HOFO), the Safety Manager, and the Head of Training and Checking (HOTC). These roles are subject to specific qualification requirements and CASA approval.
6What is the status and legal force of a Manual of Standards (MOS) under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR)?
A.It is a non-binding advisory publication that provides guidance and recommended practices.
B.It is an internal CASA policy document that does not apply to external certificate holders.
C.It is a legislative instrument that contains mandatory technical specifications and standards made under the authority of a CASR Part.
D.It is a temporary circular that expires 12 months after its date of issue.
Explanation: A Manual of Standards (MOS) is a legislative instrument under Australian law. It has the same legal force as the regulations under which it is made, specifying detailed technical requirements and operational standards that operators and flight crews must comply with.
7If an air transport operator plans to make a 'significant change' to its operations under CASR Part 119, what action is required regarding CASA?
A.The operator must apply to CASA for approval of the change, and the change cannot be implemented until CASA approves it.
B.The operator must notify CASA within 14 days after implementing the change.
C.The operator only needs to record the change in its internal files for audit during the next annual review.
D.The operator must notify CASA by email at least 24 hours prior to implementing the change.
Explanation: Under CASR Part 119, any 'significant change' (such as changing key personnel, changing the operational scope, or introducing a new aircraft type) requires prior application to and approval by CASA. The change cannot be legally implemented until CASA has formally approved it and updated the operator's certificate.
8Under CASR Part 119, what is the maximum time period allowed to notify CASA of an unplanned vacancy in a key personnel position?
A.Within 24 hours of the vacancy occurring.
B.Within 7 days of the vacancy occurring.
C.Within 3 days of the vacancy occurring.
D.Within 14 days of the vacancy occurring.
Explanation: Under CASR Part 119, if a key personnel position becomes vacant unexpectedly, the operator must notify CASA of the vacancy within 3 days. This rapid notification is required because operations are generally not permitted to continue without qualified individuals filling these critical roles, unless an approved temporary arrangement is in place.
9Which of the following is correct regarding the pilot in command's (PIC) authority under CASR Part 91?
A.The PIC has final authority over the safety of the aircraft and may deviate from regulations or ATC instructions in an emergency to ensure safety.
B.The PIC must comply with ATC instructions under all circumstances, even if they believe it compromises safety.
C.The PIC is subordinate to the operator's CEO on flight safety decisions during a flight.
D.The PIC may deviate from flight rules only if they have received prior written authorization from the operator's Head of Flying Operations.
Explanation: CASR Part 91 establishes that the pilot in command (PIC) has final authority over the operation and safety of the aircraft. In an emergency situation requiring immediate action, the PIC is authorized to deviate from flight rules, regulations, or ATC clearances to the extent necessary to ensure safety, and must notify ATC and file a report as soon as practicable.
10What is the requirement for a Safety Management System (SMS) for a Part 119 air transport operator?
A.Only operators using aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 27,000 kg must have an SMS.
B.Only international air transport operators must have an SMS; domestic operators are exempt.
C.An SMS is recommended but not legally mandatory if the operator has a comprehensive training and checking system.
D.All Part 119 operators must implement and maintain an SMS that meets the requirements specified in the Part 119 Manual of Standards.
Explanation: Under CASR Part 119, all commercial air transport operators (whether Part 121 or Part 135) must implement, document, and maintain a Safety Management System (SMS) that conforms to the standards outlined in the Part 119 Manual of Standards, integrating safety risk management into their daily operations.

About the ATPL Air Law Exam

The CASA ATPL Air Law Exam (AALW) is a mandatory subject for the Airline Transport Pilot Licence in Australia. It requires a passing score of 80% and covers the regulatory framework for commercial air transport operations, including CASR Part 91, 119, 121, and 135, multi-crew cooperation (MCC), licensing rules (Part 61), CAO 48.1 fatigue management limits, air traffic services, and ATSB incident/accident reporting.

Exam sponsor: CASA / ASPEQ Exam Delivery. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Closed-book computer-based exam administered at approved ASPEQ centers. Candidates are permitted to use approved reference publications (CAR 1988, CASR 1998, Part 61/91/119/121/135 MOS, AIP, ERSA).

Time Limit

2.0 hours

Passing Score

80%

Exam / Certification Fees

Approx. $150 - $250 AUD (plus test center provider fees)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

20%

Regulations Framework

Legislation hierarchy, CASR Parts 91, 119, 121, 135, CAR 1988, and MOS

25%

Airline Operations Rules

Part 121/135 multi-crew operations, takeoff/landing minima, alternate requirements, and dispatch rules

20%

Flight Crew Licensing & MCC

ATPL privileges, MCC training requirements, CAO 48.1 fatigue and flight time limitations

20%

Air Traffic Services

Airspace design, separation rules, airways procedures, RVSM, and RNAV/RNP requirements

15%

Security & Emergencies

ATSB accident/incident notification, hijack/unlawful interference, and carriage of dangerous goods

Preparing for the ATPL Air Law Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80%
  • Assessment: Closed-book computer-based exam administered at approved ASPEQ centers. Candidates are permitted to use approved reference publications (CAR 1988, CASR 1998, Part 61/91/119/121/135 MOS, AIP, ERSA).
  • Time limit: 2.0 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: Approx. $150 - $250 AUD (plus test center provider fees) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ATPL Air Law: Suggested Study Strategy

1Study CAO 48.1 fatigue rules thoroughly: memorize the flight and duty time limits for standard multi-crew operations
2Understand standard takeoff and landing minima rules: know the conditions under which a 2-pilot crew can descend below standard minima
3Pay close attention to ATSB reporting rules: differentiate between Immediately Reportable Matters (IRMs) and Routine Reportable Matters (RRMs)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the ATPL AALW exam?

The passing score is 80%, matching the critical regulatory standards required of airline captain candidates.

What publications are allowed in the exam?

Physical copies of CAR 1988, CASR 1998, Part 61/91/119/121/135 MOS, AIP, and ERSA are permitted.