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100+ Free BAK Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: BAK Exam

~50

Exam Questions

CASA

70%

Passing Score

CASA

2 hrs

Time Limit

CASA

~$50

Exam Fee (AUD)

Via flight school

40-80 hrs

Study Time

Recommended

7

Topic Areas

CASA syllabus

Sample BAK Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your BAK exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, what is the minimum height an aircraft may fly over a built-up area?
A.1000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 600 metres
B.500 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 300 metres
C.1500 feet above ground level
D.2000 feet above the highest obstacle
Explanation: CAR 157 requires that aircraft flying over a city, town, or populous area must maintain a height of at least 1000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 600 metres of the aircraft.
2Under CAR 157, what is the minimum height for flight over a non-built-up area?
A.1000 feet above the highest obstacle within 600 metres
B.500 feet above ground level or water
C.500 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 300 metres
D.300 feet above ground level
Explanation: CAR 157 specifies that over non-built-up areas, an aircraft must not fly lower than 500 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 300 metres of the aircraft.
3When two aircraft are converging at approximately the same altitude, which aircraft has right of way?
A.The aircraft on the left
B.The faster aircraft
C.The aircraft on the right
D.The aircraft at the higher altitude
Explanation: Under the rules of the air, when two aircraft are converging at approximately the same altitude, the aircraft that has the other on its left shall give way. This means the aircraft on the right has right of way.
4What type of airspace requires an ATC clearance before entry in Australia?
A.Class G airspace
B.Class E airspace
C.Class C airspace
D.CTAF areas
Explanation: Class C airspace is controlled airspace in Australia that requires an ATC clearance before an aircraft may enter. All aircraft operating in Class C must be in contact with ATC and have received a clearance.
5Under VFR in Class G airspace below 3000 feet AMSL or 1000 feet AGL (whichever is higher), what is the minimum flight visibility?
A.8 kilometres
B.5 kilometres
C.5000 metres
D.3000 metres
Explanation: In Class G airspace at or below 3000 feet AMSL or 1000 feet AGL (whichever is higher), the minimum flight visibility for VFR flight is 5000 metres.
6A NOTAM is issued to advise pilots of which of the following?
A.Permanent changes to aeronautical charts only
B.Changes or hazards to facilities, services, or procedures that could affect flight safety
C.Weather warnings and forecasts
D.Changes to aircraft maintenance schedules
Explanation: A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) provides timely information about changes or hazards affecting facilities, services, procedures, or airspace that could affect flight safety. This includes temporary restrictions, runway closures, navaid outages, and similar operational notices.
7When is a pilot required to submit a flight plan in Australia for a VFR flight?
A.For all flights regardless of distance
B.Only for flights into controlled airspace or when required by regulation (e.g., flights beyond 50 nm from departure)
C.Only for international flights
D.Only when flying at night
Explanation: In Australia, a VFR flight plan (or flight notification) is required for flights into controlled airspace, flights beyond 50 nautical miles from the departure aerodrome, and in certain other circumstances specified by regulation. A SARTIME must also be nominated.
8What is a restricted area (R) in Australian airspace?
A.Airspace where all civil flights are permanently prohibited
B.Airspace within which flight is restricted in accordance with specified conditions published in the AIP
C.Airspace reserved exclusively for military use at all times
D.Airspace where only IFR flights are permitted
Explanation: A restricted area (designated with the prefix 'R') is airspace within which flight is restricted in accordance with certain specified conditions. The conditions, times of activity, and altitude limits are published in the AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication) and ERSA.
9An aircraft on final approach to land has right of way over which of the following?
A.An aircraft in distress
B.An aircraft that is also on final approach but at a higher altitude
C.An aircraft taxiing on the runway for departure
D.A balloon
Explanation: An aircraft on final approach to land, or landing, has right of way over other aircraft on the ground or in flight at a lower stage of the approach. Aircraft taxiing for departure must hold clear until the landing aircraft has passed.
10What is the semi-circular rule for VFR cruising levels in Australia for aircraft on a magnetic track of 000° to 179°?
A.Odd thousands plus 500 feet (e.g., 3500, 5500, 7500)
B.Even thousands plus 500 feet (e.g., 4500, 6500, 8500)
C.Any altitude at the pilot's discretion
D.Odd thousands (e.g., 3000, 5000, 7000)
Explanation: Under the hemispheric (semi-circular) rule for VFR flights, aircraft on a magnetic track of 000° to 179° fly at odd thousands plus 500 feet (e.g., 3500, 5500, 7500 feet). This provides vertical separation from IFR traffic and opposing VFR traffic.

About the BAK Exam

The BAK (Basic Aeronautical Knowledge) exam is the entry-level theory examination required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for student pilots seeking a Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) in Australia. The exam covers seven core areas of aeronautical knowledge: air law, aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, aircraft systems, human factors, and radio procedures.

Questions

50 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

~$50 AUD (administered through flight schools) (CASA / Aspeq)

BAK Exam Content Outline

20%

Air Law

CASA regulations, rules of the air, airspace, VFR requirements

20%

Aerodynamics

Lift, drag, stall, stability, load factor, and four forces of flight

15%

Navigation

Chart reading, wind triangle, heading/track, 1-in-60 rule, VFR procedures

15%

Meteorology

Weather types, clouds, METAR/TAF, visibility, turbulence, icing

10%

Aircraft Systems

Engine, fuel, electrical, instruments, pitot-static system

10%

Human Factors

Hypoxia, spatial disorientation, fatigue, decision making

10%

Radio Procedures

Radio phraseology, position reports, CTAF procedures

How to Pass the BAK Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 50 questions
  • Time limit: 2 hours
  • Exam fee: ~$50 AUD (administered through flight schools)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

BAK Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on air law and aerodynamics — together they account for 40% of the BAK exam
2Learn to decode METARs and TAFs by practicing with real Australian aviation weather reports
3Understand the principles behind aerodynamics concepts rather than memorizing formulas
4Practice wind triangle calculations and the 1-in-60 rule until they become second nature
5Know your airspace classes (A, C, D, E, G) and the VFR requirements for each
6Study the effects of hypoxia, spatial disorientation, and fatigue — human factors questions test practical understanding
7Complete at least 100 practice questions before booking your exam

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CASA BAK exam?

The BAK (Basic Aeronautical Knowledge) exam is the entry-level aviation theory test required by Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for pilots seeking a Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL). It consists of approximately 50 multiple-choice questions covering air law, aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, aircraft systems, human factors, and radio procedures. You have 2 hours to complete it and need at least 70% to pass.

How hard is the CASA BAK exam?

The BAK is considered entry-level and is manageable with consistent study. Most student pilots find air law and aerodynamics (40% of the exam combined) the most content-heavy sections. With 40-80 hours of study alongside your flight training, most candidates are well prepared. The key is to understand concepts rather than memorize — particularly aerodynamics and meteorology.

What is the difference between the BAK and PPL theory exam?

The BAK covers the foundational theory needed for an RPL, which allows you to fly within a limited radius of your training airfield. The PPL theory exams are more advanced and cover additional topics like flight planning, advanced navigation, and instrument awareness required for unrestricted VFR flying across Australia. Most pilots complete the BAK first then progress to PPL theory exams.

How long should I study for the BAK exam?

Most student pilots study 40-80 hours over 4-8 weeks, typically alongside their practical flight training. If you have no prior aviation knowledge, plan for the higher end. Focus particularly on air law (20%) and aerodynamics (20%) as these are the highest-weighted sections. Practice questions and mock exams are essential for success.

Where do I sit the BAK exam?

The BAK exam is administered in person at CASA-approved testing centres run by Aspeq. Your flight school will typically arrange your exam booking. You need a valid Aviation Reference Number (ARN) and a current aviation medical certificate. The exam fee is approximately $50 AUD and is usually included in your flight training package.

What happens if I fail the BAK exam?

If you fail, you can resit the exam after a waiting period. If you fail multiple times, CASA may require your flight instructor to endorse additional training before you can reattempt. Most students who study systematically and complete plenty of practice questions pass on their first attempt.

Do I need the BAK to fly solo?

Yes, in Australia you must pass the BAK exam before your first solo flight. Along with the BAK, you also need a valid aviation medical certificate, an Aviation Reference Number (ARN), and your flight instructor's authorization for solo flight. The BAK ensures you have the minimum theoretical knowledge to safely operate an aircraft.