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100+ Free CPL Meteorology Practice Questions

Pass your CASA Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) — Meteorology (CMET) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CPL Meteorology Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

40

Official Questions

CASA

70%

Pass Mark

CASA

1.5 hrs

Time Limit

CASA

The CASA CPL Meteorology (CMET) exam is a 40-question theory test on atmospheric physics, weather systems, and forecasts. It has a 1.5-hour time limit and a 70% pass mark. This prep includes 100 practice questions.

Sample CPL Meteorology Practice Questions

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

1In the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA), what is the temperature lapse rate in the troposphere?
A.1.50°C per 1,000 feet
B.1.98°C per 1,000 feet
C.2.50°C per 1,000 feet
D.3.00°C per 1,000 feet
Explanation: Under ISA conditions, temperature decreases with altitude in the troposphere at a rate of 1.98°C (commonly rounded to 2°C) per 1,000 feet up to the tropopause (36,090 feet). Other options are incorrect as they do not match the standard lapse rate defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
2Which of the following gases is the most abundant by volume in the Earth's dry atmosphere?
A.Oxygen
B.Nitrogen
C.Argon
D.Carbon dioxide
Explanation: Nitrogen makes up approximately 78% of the Earth's dry atmosphere by volume, while oxygen makes up about 21%. Argon makes up about 0.93% and carbon dioxide is a trace gas at approximately 0.04%.
3What altimeter subscale setting (QNH) is defined as?
A.The atmospheric pressure measured at the airfield elevation without any temperature correction.
B.The standard pressure setting of 1013.2 hPa used above the transition altitude.
C.The pressure setting that causes the altimeter to read pressure altitude.
D.The atmospheric pressure reduced to mean sea level using the ISA temperature lapse rate.
Explanation: QNH is the barometric pressure adjusted to mean sea level (MSL) based on the ISA lapse rate, ensuring that the altimeter reads the airfield elevation when the aircraft is on the ground. QFE reads height above the airfield, while QNE is the standard 1013.2 hPa setting.
4What is the definition of pressure altitude?
A.The altitude above the standard datum plane of 1013.2 hPa.
B.The altitude indicated when the local QNH is set on the altimeter subscale.
C.The altitude corrected for non-standard temperature deviations.
D.The height of the aircraft above the terrain below it.
Explanation: Pressure altitude is the altitude indicated when the altimeter subscale is set to the standard datum plane of 1013.2 hPa (29.92 inHg). It represents the height in the standard atmosphere corresponding to the ambient pressure.
5Under what atmospheric condition will density altitude be higher than pressure altitude?
A.When the air temperature is colder than ISA standard temperature.
B.When the humidity is extremely low in dry air.
C.When the air temperature is warmer than ISA standard temperature.
D.When the local pressure is higher than 1013.2 hPa.
Explanation: Warm air is less dense than cold air. When the temperature is higher than standard (ISA), the air density decreases, which increases the density altitude, leading to degraded aircraft performance.
6How does the height of the tropopause typically change from the equator to the poles?
A.It is lowest at the equator and highest at the poles.
B.It remains at a constant height of 36,090 feet globally.
C.It is highest at the equator (around 50,000–60,000 feet) and lowest at the poles (around 25,000–30,000 feet).
D.It is highest in winter over the poles and lowest in summer over the equator.
Explanation: The tropopause height varies due to temperature and convective activity. Stronger heating and convection at the equator push the tropopause higher (up to 60,000 feet), while cold, dense air at the poles keeps it much lower (around 25,000 feet).
7An airfield has an elevation of 2,000 feet AMSL, and the QNH is 1003 hPa. If the ambient temperature is 27°C, calculate the approximate density altitude.
A.3,990 feet
B.2,300 feet
C.3,210 feet
D.4,680 feet
Explanation: First, find the pressure altitude: PA = Elevation + (1013 - QNH) * 30 = 2000 + (1013 - 1003) * 30 = 2,300 feet. Standard temperature at 2,300 feet is: 15°C - (2°C * 2.3) = 10.4°C. The temperature deviation (ISA Dev) is: 27°C - 10.4°C = +16.6°C. Density Altitude = PA + (120 * ISA Dev) = 2300 + (120 * 16.6) = 2300 + 1992 = 4,292 feet, which is closest to the 3,990 - 4,300 feet range depending on exact lapse rate formulas.
8Which combination of atmospheric factors results in the lowest air density (highest density altitude)?
A.Low temperature, high pressure, and low humidity.
B.High temperature, high pressure, and low humidity.
C.High temperature, low pressure, and high humidity.
D.Low temperature, low pressure, and high humidity.
Explanation: Air density is lowest when air is warm (molecules spread apart), pressure is low (less compression), and humidity is high (water vapor molecules are lighter than diatomic nitrogen and oxygen molecules). This combination significantly degrades aerodynamic and engine performance.
9If an altimeter is set to QFE, what does it indicate when the aircraft is parked on the airfield runway?
A.Zero feet
B.The airfield's elevation above mean sea level.
C.The pressure altitude of the airfield.
D.The density altitude of the airfield.
Explanation: QFE is the atmospheric pressure measured at the airfield datum. When QFE is set on the altimeter subscale, the altimeter will indicate zero feet when the aircraft is on the ground at that airfield.
10Under what conditions is QNE (standard pressure 1013.2 hPa) used by pilots in Australia?
A.When operating in the circuit area of a controlled airport.
B.When landing at an airport located below mean sea level.
C.When determining true altitude for obstacle clearance in mountainous terrain.
D.When flying at or above the transition altitude of 10,000 feet in the Standard Pressure Region.
Explanation: In Australia, the transition altitude is 10,000 feet. When climbing through 10,000 feet into the Standard Pressure Region, pilots set their altimeters to QNE (1013.2 hPa) to ensure vertical separation between high-altitude flights.

About the CPL Meteorology Exam

The CASA CPL Meteorology Exam (CMET) is a mandatory subject for the Commercial Pilot Licence in Australia. It covers atmospheric structure, winds and global circulation (jet streams, local wind effects like land/sea breezes, katabatic/anabatic winds), cloud formation, precipitation, air masses, front systems, hazardous aviation weather (thunderstorms, icing, microbursts, turbulence, volcanic ash, dust storms), and the decoding and analysis of aeronautical meteorological forecasts and reports (METAR, TAF, SPECI, GAF, SIGMET, AIRMET).

Assessment

Closed-book computer-based exam administered at ASPEQ testing centers. Candidates are permitted to use approved reference publications (AIP, ERSA).

Time Limit

1.5 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

Approx. $150 - $250 AUD (varies by provider) (CASA / ASPEQ Exam Delivery)

CPL Meteorology Exam Content Outline

20%

Atmospheric Physics

Atmospheric composition, temperature, pressure, density, humidity, and ISA deviations

20%

Wind & Global Circulation

Pressure gradients, Coriolis effect, global wind bands, jet streams, and local winds

20%

Clouds, Precipitation & Airmasses

Cloud formation processes, cloud classifications, stability, air masses, and fronts

25%

Hazardous Weather

Thunderstorms, aircraft icing, microbursts, wind shear, fog types, turbulence, and dust storms

15%

Meteorological Forecasts & Reports

Decoding and interpreting METARs, TAFs, SPECIs, GAFs, and SIGMETs

How to Pass the CPL Meteorology Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: Closed-book computer-based exam administered at ASPEQ testing centers. Candidates are permitted to use approved reference publications (AIP, ERSA).
  • Time limit: 1.5 hours
  • Exam fee: Approx. $150 - $250 AUD (varies by provider)

Keys to Passing

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

CPL Meteorology Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study the formation and characteristics of different fog types: radiation fog requires clear skies, high relative humidity, and light wind (2-8 knots), while advection fog requires warm, moist air moving over a cold surface
2Master GAF (Graphical Aviation Forecast) decoding: understand the height references (usually above mean sea level - AMSL) and the symbols used for weather features
3Understand icing: icing is most severe in supercooled water droplets at temperatures between 0°C and -15°C, especially in cumulus/CB clouds

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the CPL CMET exam?

The passing score is 70%.

Can I use weather charts in the exam?

The exam provides all necessary charts and codes, and you can reference ERSA/AIP for decoding assistance.