100+ Free Commercial Pilot Licence Aeroplane (CPAER) Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Commercial Pilot Licence Aeroplane (CPAER) Exam

100

Total multiple-choice questions

Transport Canada TP 12881

60%

Sectional pass requirement

Transport Canada TP 12881

3.5 hrs

Exam time limit

Transport Canada TP 12881

$35.00

Written examination fee (CAD)

CAR 104 Schedule IV

24 mos

Exam results validity

CARs Standard 401.07

80 hrs

Minimum CPL ground school required

CARs Standard 421.30

The CPAER written exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions with a 3.5-hour limit. To pass, you must score at least 60% in each of the four domains (Air Law, Meteorology, Navigation, General Knowledge). If you pass overall but fail a section, you only rewrite that section as a supplementary exam. The exam costs $35.00 CAD at Transport Canada facilities.

Sample Commercial Pilot Licence Aeroplane (CPAER) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Commercial Pilot Licence Aeroplane (CPAER) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under CAR 401.30, which of the following is a privilege of the holder of a commercial pilot licence - aeroplane?

A.Act as pilot-in-command of an aeroplane of a class for which the licence is endorsed, carrying passengers for compensation in a commercial air service.

B.Act as pilot-in-command of any multi-engine aeroplane under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) without a valid instrument rating.

C.Provide flight instruction to students without holding a flight instructor rating.

D.Conduct flight tests for the purpose of issuing ratings without Transport Canada authorization.

Explanation: According to the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) 401.30, a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) holder has the privilege to act as pilot-in-command (PIC) of any aeroplane of a class for which the licence is endorsed, and can fly for compensation in a commercial air service. Co-pilot privileges also apply.

2Under CAR 404.04, what is the validity period of a Category 1 Medical Certificate for a commercial pilot who is 38 years of age at the time of the examination?

A.12 months

B.6 months

C.24 months

D.60 months

Explanation: For commercial operations under CARs, a Category 1 Medical Certificate is valid for 12 months for pilots under the age of 40. Once the pilot reaches 40, the validity period decreases to 6 months (or remains 12 months if not carrying passengers in a single-pilot commercial operation).

3What are the minimum VFR weather requirements for an aeroplane operating in a control zone at 1,500 feet AGL under day VFR?

A.Flight visibility of 3 miles, horizontal distance from cloud of 1 mile, and vertical distance from cloud of 500 feet.

B.Flight visibility of 1 mile, clear of cloud, and in sight of the surface.

C.Flight visibility of 3 miles, horizontal distance from cloud of 500 feet, and vertical distance from cloud of 500 feet.

D.Flight visibility of 2 miles, horizontal distance from cloud of 1 mile, and vertical distance from cloud of 500 feet.

Explanation: Under CAR 602.114, the VFR weather minima in controlled airspace (which includes control zones) are a flight visibility of not less than 3 miles, a distance of not less than 1 mile horizontally from cloud, and a distance of not less than 500 feet vertically from cloud.

4For a day VFR flight in uncontrolled airspace at 800 feet AGL, what is the minimum flight visibility required for an aeroplane under CAR 602.115?

A.1 mile

B.3 miles

C.2 miles

D.1.5 miles

Explanation: Under CAR 602.115, an aeroplane (other than a helicopter) in VFR flight in uncontrolled airspace at less than 1,000 feet AGL must have a flight visibility of at least 2 miles by day and remain clear of cloud. At or above 1,000 feet AGL the day minimum drops to 1 mile, and below 1,000 feet AGL the night minimum is 3 miles.

5Which of the following is correct regarding Special VFR (SVFR) operations for aeroplanes in a control zone?

A.The flight must be authorized by ATC, the flight visibility must be at least 1 mile, and the aircraft must remain clear of cloud and in sight of the surface.

B.The pilot does not need ATC authorization if they remain clear of cloud.

C.Special VFR is permitted at night for any pilot with a Private Pilot Licence.

D.The minimum flight visibility required for Special VFR in an aeroplane is 2 miles.

Explanation: Under CAR 602.117, Special VFR allows an aircraft to operate inside a control zone when weather is below standard VFR limits, provided ATC authorizes the flight, visibility is at least 1 mile (for aeroplanes), and the aircraft is operated clear of cloud and in sight of the surface.

6To conduct a VFR Over-the-Top (VFR OTT) flight, what is the meteorological requirement for the destination aerodrome under CARs?

A.The weather forecast must indicate scattered cloud or clear conditions with no precipitation or fog, and a visibility of at least 5 miles, for a period from 1 hour before to 2 hours after the ETA.

B.The weather at destination must be solid overcast with no ceiling restrictions.

C.No forecast is required if the destination has a VOR or NDB.

D.The forecast must indicate a ceiling of at least 1,000 feet and visibility of 3 miles for 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after the ETA.

Explanation: According to CAR 602.116, for a VFR OTT flight, the destination forecast (TAF or GFA) must indicate scattered cloud or clear conditions (no more than 3/8 cloud cover), no precipitation, fog, or thunderstorms, and a visibility of at least 5 miles, for a period from 1 hour before to 2 hours after the estimated time of arrival (ETA). If a TAF is not available, the period is 2 hours before to 3 hours after ETA.

7What are the lateral boundaries and vertical limits of a standard Low Level Airway in Canada?

A.Basic width of 4 NM on each side of the centerline (8 NM total), extending vertically from 2,200 feet AGL up to but not including 18,000 feet ASL.

B.Basic width of 4.34 NM on each side of the centerline, extending from the surface up to 12,500 feet ASL.

C.Basic width of 10 NM total, extending from 700 feet AGL up to 18,000 feet ASL.

D.Basic width of 8 NM total, extending vertically from the surface up to but not including 12,500 feet ASL.

Explanation: In Canada, low level airways are controlled Class E airspace, having a basic width of 4 NM on each side of the centerline (total width of 8 NM). They extend from 2,200 feet AGL up to but not including 18,000 feet ASL (which is the bottom of the High Level Airspace).

8Which of the following describes Class C airspace in Canada?

A.Controlled airspace in which both IFR and VFR flights are permitted, VFR flights require a clearance to enter, and ATC provides conflict resolution between all aircraft.

B.Uncontrolled airspace in which VFR flights must maintain continuous two-way radio contact.

C.Controlled airspace reserved exclusively for IFR flights; VFR flights are prohibited.

D.Controlled airspace where IFR flights receive separation but VFR flights are not permitted under any circumstances.

Explanation: Class C is controlled airspace. Both IFR and VFR flights are permitted, but VFR flights must receive an ATC clearance to enter. ATC provides separation to IFR flights, and conflict resolution (workload permitting) or traffic information between VFR and IFR flights, as well as traffic information to VFR flights.

9Under CAR 602.19, when two power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft are converging at approximately the same altitude, which aircraft has the right of way?

A.The aircraft that has the other on its left has the right of way (i.e., the aircraft on the right).

B.The aircraft that has the other on its right has the right of way.

C.The faster aircraft must give way to the slower aircraft.

D.The larger commercial aircraft always has the right of way.

Explanation: Under the rules of the air (CAR 602.19), when two aircraft are converging at approximately the same altitude, the aircraft that has the other on its right shall give way. Therefore, the aircraft on the right (which sees the other on its left) has the right of way.

10In Canada, what cruising altitudes must be flown under VFR at an altitude above 3,000 feet AGL when operating on a magnetic track of 090 degrees?

A.Any odd thousand foot altitude plus 500 feet (e.g., 5,500, 7,500 feet ASL).

B.Any even thousand foot altitude plus 500 feet (e.g., 4,500, 6,500 feet ASL).

C.Any odd thousand foot altitude (e.g., 5,000, 7,000 feet ASL).

D.Any even thousand foot altitude (e.g., 4,000, 6,000 feet ASL).

Explanation: Under CAR 602.34, the semicircular rule applies above 3,000 feet AGL. For a magnetic track of 000 to 179 degrees (eastbound), VFR aircraft must fly at odd thousands of feet plus 500 feet (e.g., 5,500, 7,500).

About the Commercial Pilot Licence Aeroplane (CPAER) Exam

The Transport Canada Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane (CPAER) written exam is a critical milestone for aspiring professional pilots in Canada. It assesses the candidate's understanding of aeronautical concepts, flight planning, aviation regulations, and weather theory required to fly commercially. Ground school training of at least 80 hours is required. The test has exactly 100 multiple-choice questions, which are evenly distributed across four domains: Air Law, Meteorology, Navigation, and Aeronautics General Knowledge. OpenExamPrep's simulator accurately matches this distribution, and our study sets help you master the complex calculations and CARs rules needed to succeed.

Assessment

The CPAER is a 100-question multiple-choice examination testing the theoretical knowledge required to act as pilot-in-command of a commercial aeroplane in Canada. The exam is divided into four equal sections of 25 questions each: Air Law, Meteorology, Navigation, and General Knowledge. To pass the exam, a candidate must obtain 60% overall AND at least 60% in each of the four sections. Failing a section results in a partial pass, requiring the candidate to write a supplementary examination for the failed section.

Time Limit

3.5 hours (210 minutes)

Passing Score

60% in each of the four subject areas (15/25 in each section)

Exam Fee

$35.00 CAD (Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA))

Commercial Pilot Licence Aeroplane (CPAER) Exam Content Outline

25%

Air Law

Covers the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) parts I, IV, VI, and VII (commercial air services - CAR 702/703), rules of the air, airspace classifications, visual and instrument flight rules, aerodrome procedures, and incident/accident reporting.

25%

Meteorology

Covers thermodynamics, winds, air masses, frontal weather, thunderstorms, airframe icing, turbulence, altimetry, windshear, aviation weather reports (METAR/TAF/FD), GFAs, and weather radar.

25%

Navigation

Covers latitude and longitude, scale, projections, chart reading (VNC/VTA), dead reckoning (wind triangle, drift, headings, groundspeed), time/fuel/distance problems, radio aids (VOR, NDB/ADF, GPS), transponder codes, and cross-country flight planning.

25%

Aeronautics - General Knowledge

Covers airframe structures, aircraft powerplants (engines, turbochargers, constant-speed propellers), electrical, hydraulic, and fuel systems, flight instruments, theory of flight, weight and balance, aircraft performance charts, human factors, and pilot decision-making (PDM).

How to Pass the Commercial Pilot Licence Aeroplane (CPAER) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 60% in each of the four subject areas (15/25 in each section)
Assessment: The CPAER is a 100-question multiple-choice examination testing the theoretical knowledge required to act as pilot-in-command of a commercial aeroplane in Canada. The exam is divided into four equal sections of 25 questions each: Air Law, Meteorology, Navigation, and General Knowledge. To pass the exam, a candidate must obtain 60% overall AND at least 60% in each of the four sections. Failing a section results in a partial pass, requiring the candidate to write a supplementary examination for the failed section.
Time limit: 3.5 hours (210 minutes)
Exam fee: $35.00 CAD

Keys to Passing

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

Commercial Pilot Licence Aeroplane (CPAER) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Understand the sectional pass rules: you cannot neglect any of the four areas. Track your practice scores separately.

2Get comfortable with flight planning calculations on the flight computer (CX-3 or E6B). Practice wind correction angle, groundspeed, and exact fuel burn calculations.

3Review the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) thoroughly, specifically CAR 602 (Operating and Flight Rules) and CAR 703 (Air Taxi Operations) which are heavily tested on the CPL.

4Learn to read Graphical Area Forecasts (GFAs) fluently, including the symbols for cloud types, turbulence, icing, and front movements.

5Review weight and balance graphs and center of gravity calculations, ensuring you know how to calculate shift limits and fuel-burn effects.

6Prepare for systems questions: make sure you can explain the operation of constant-speed propellers, turbochargers, wastegates, and basic electrical bus structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the Transport Canada CPAER exam?

You must score at least 60% overall, but more importantly, you must score a minimum of 60% (15 out of 25 questions) in each of the four individual sections: Air Law, Meteorology, Navigation, and General Knowledge.

What is a 'partial pass' and how do supplementary exams work?

If you achieve an overall score of 60% or higher but fail one or more of the sections (i.e. scoring under 60% in Air Law, Meteorology, Navigation, or General Knowledge), you receive a partial pass. You can then write a supplementary exam for only the section(s) you failed. These are: CALAW (Air Law, 20 questions, 1 hr), CANAV (Navigation, 25 questions, 2 hrs), CAMET (Meteorology, 25 questions, 1.5 hrs), or CAGEN (General Knowledge, 35 questions, 1.5 hrs).

How long are my written exam results valid?

Your CPAER exam results (or supplementary exam passes) are valid for 24 months from the date of the examination. You must complete your commercial pilot flight test and apply for your licence within this 24-month period, or you will have to rewrite the exam.

What are the eligibility requirements to write the CPAER exam?

To write the CPAER, you must hold a valid Canadian Private Pilot Licence - Aeroplane (PPL-A), have a valid Category 1 Medical Certificate, and present a letter of recommendation (Form 26-0083) from a flight instructor certifying that you have completed the required ground school and are ready for the exam.

How much does it cost to write the CPAER exam?

Transport Canada charges a standard fee of $35.00 CAD to write a flight crew examination. Note that if you write the exam at a flight training unit (FTU) or through an external invigilator, they may charge additional administration or facility fees.