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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations (PSTAR) Exam

50

Exam Questions

Transport Canada TP 11919

90%

Required Passing Score

Transport Canada TP 11919

90 min

Time Limit

Transport Canada Exam Rules

$35.00

Transport Canada Fee

Transport Canada Civil Aviation Fees

14

Official Study Sections

Transport Canada TP 11919

60 mos

Student Medical Validity (Under 40)

CARs Standard 421.26

12 hours

Bottle-to-Throttle Rule

CAR 602.27

The Canadian PSTAR is a 50-question multiple-choice exam required before your first solo flight. It requires a high passing score of 90% (45 correct out of 50) and has a 90-minute time limit. Administered by authorized flight schools or Transport Canada, the exam is drawn from a 200-question pool across 14 safety and regulatory sections. Important check-points include right-of-way priority (distress > balloon > glider > airship > towing), VFR weather limits (3 miles in controlled airspace; 2 miles day/3 miles night in uncontrolled below 1,000 AGL), and TSB reporting rules for accidents and serious incidents.

Sample Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations (PSTAR) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations (PSTAR) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1When 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 right.
B.The aircraft that has the other on its left.
C.The faster aircraft.
D.The aircraft that is flying at a lower airspeed.
Explanation: According to Canadian Aviation Regulations (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 that has the other on its left has the right-of-way.
2When two aircraft are approaching head-on, or approximately so, and there is a danger of collision, what action must each pilot take?
A.Alter heading to the left.
B.The lower aircraft climbs and the higher aircraft descends.
C.Alter heading to the right.
D.Hold heading and altitude and wait for ATC instructions.
Explanation: CAR 602.19(5) states that where two aircraft are approaching head-on, or approximately so, in a manner that gives rise to a risk of collision, the pilot-in-command of each aircraft shall alter its heading to the right.
3Which of the following describes the correct procedure when overtaking another aircraft?
A.The overtaking aircraft has the right-of-way and shall pass on the left.
B.The aircraft being overtaken has the right-of-way, and the overtaking aircraft shall alter heading to the right.
C.The overtaking aircraft shall climb above the other aircraft.
D.Both aircraft shall alter heading to the right.
Explanation: CAR 602.19(6) states that an aircraft that is being overtaken has the right-of-way. The overtaking aircraft, whether climbing, descending, or in level flight, shall keep out of the way of the other aircraft by altering its heading to the right.
4What is the right-of-way priority for an aircraft that is in distress?
A.It must give way to commercial airliners.
B.It has the right-of-way over all other air traffic.
C.It has the same priority as airships and balloons.
D.It must follow standard ATC routing before landing.
Explanation: Under CAR 602.19(2), an aircraft in distress has the right-of-way over all other air traffic, regardless of category, size, or passenger capacity.
5When a glider and a balloon are converging at approximately the same altitude, which aircraft has the right-of-way?
A.The glider, because it is more maneuverable.
B.The balloon, because it has less control over its flight path.
C.The aircraft on the right.
D.The faster aircraft.
Explanation: CAR 602.19(3) establishes the hierarchy of right-of-way among different categories of aircraft. A balloon has the right-of-way over gliders, airships, and power-driven aircraft because it has the least directional control.
6A power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft is converging with a power-driven aircraft towing a glider. Which aircraft has the right-of-way?
A.The power-driven aircraft that is not towing, because it is faster.
B.The aircraft on the left.
C.The towing aircraft, because its maneuverability is restricted.
D.Whichever aircraft has the other on its right.
Explanation: CAR 602.19(3) states that a power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft that is towing a glider or another object has the right-of-way over other power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft due to the towing aircraft's restricted maneuverability.
7When two aircraft are approaching an aerodrome for the purpose of landing, which aircraft has the right-of-way?
A.The aircraft at the higher altitude.
B.The larger commercial aircraft.
C.The aircraft at the lower altitude.
D.The aircraft that is closer to the runway.
Explanation: CAR 602.19(10) states that where two or more aircraft are approaching an aerodrome for the purpose of landing, the aircraft at the lower altitude has the right-of-way. However, the pilot-in-command of the lower aircraft shall not abuse this rule to cut in front of another aircraft on final approach.
8When a glider and a power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft are converging at approximately the same altitude, which aircraft has the right-of-way?
A.The power-driven aircraft, because it has an engine.
B.The glider, because it has no engine.
C.Whichever aircraft has the other on its left.
D.Whichever aircraft is flying slower.
Explanation: Under CAR 602.19(3), a glider has the right-of-way over airships and power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft. This is because gliders lack propulsion and have less flexibility to perform go-arounds.
9While in flight, a steady green light signal from an Air Traffic Control tower indicates that the aircraft is:
A.Cleared to taxi.
B.Cleared to land.
C.To return for landing.
D.To give way to other aircraft and continue circling.
Explanation: TC AIM RAC 4.2.5 states that a steady green light directed at an aircraft in flight means the pilot is 'Cleared to land.'
10A steady green light signal directed at an aircraft on the ground indicates that the pilot is:
A.Cleared to taxi.
B.To return to the starting point on the aerodrome.
C.Cleared for takeoff.
D.To stop immediately.
Explanation: According to TC AIM RAC 4.2.5, a steady green light signal directed at an aircraft on the ground means 'Cleared for takeoff.'

About the Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations (PSTAR) Exam

The Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations (PSTAR) is the mandatory examination that Canadian student pilots must pass before flying solo. The test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions selected from a pool of 200 questions. It covers essential safety-related Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), including right-of-way rules, light gun signals, radio communication procedures, aerodrome operations, flight planning, weather minima, and accident reporting. Candidates must score at least 90% to pass, and any incorrect answers must be corrected to 100% with a flight instructor. Our practice bank contains 100 questions aligned with the official TP 11919 study guide categories.

Assessment

The PSTAR is a 50-question, multiple-choice examination randomly selected from a pool of approximately 200 questions. It must be taken in person at an authorized flight training unit or Transport Canada Centre. A passing score of 90% (45 correct) is required. After the test, all incorrect answers must be reviewed and corrected to 100% with a flight instructor.

Time Limit

90 minutes

Passing Score

90% (45 correct out of 50)

Exam Fee

$35.00 government fee (Transport Canada)

Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations (PSTAR) Exam Content Outline

Section 1.0

Collision Avoidance

Right-of-way rules for converging, head-on, and overtaking situations, landing priorities, and distressed aircraft right of way.

Section 2.0

Visual Signals

Meaning of steady green, flashing green, steady red, flashing red, flashing white, and pyrotechnic signals in flight and on the aerodrome.

Section 3.0

Communications

Pilot-controlled lighting operation, standard radio frequencies, communications failure protocols, and mandatory frequency (MF) / aerodrome traffic frequency (ATF) reports.

Section 4.0

Aerodromes

Windsock speed indications, runway markings and hold-short indicators, displaced thresholds, closed runways, and standard circuit entry procedures.

Section 5.0

Equipment

Day VFR instrumentation requirements, safety belt rules, survival equipment mandates, life preservers carriage, and ELT testing hours/methods.

Section 6.0

Pilot Responsibilities

Documents required on board, aviation medical certificate validity, alcohol rules (12 hours bottle-to-throttle), scuba diving flight limits, and passenger briefings.

Section 7.0

Wake Turbulence

Vortices generation, wind drift effects, and avoidance strategies during takeoff, climb, approach, and landing behind heavy aircraft.

Section 8.0

Aeromedical

Symptoms and remediation of hypoxia, hyperventilation, carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, and blood donation rules.

Section 9.0

Flight Plans and Flight Itineraries

Requirements for VFR flights beyond 25 NM, search and rescue activation times (1 hour vs 24 hours), closing flight plans, and route changes.

Section 10.0

Clearances and Instructions

Differentiating ATC clearances and instructions, readback procedures, holding short of runways, and land and hold short operations (LAHSO).

Section 11.0

Aircraft Operations

Minimum altitudes over built-up and non-built-up areas, dropping objects, formation flight permissions, and restrictions on aerobatics.

Section 12.0

Regulations – Canadian Airspace

Airspace Class A to G specifications, transponder requirements, and flight visibility and cloud clearance minima for VFR operations.

Section 13.0

Controlled Airspace

Control Zones, Terminal Control Areas, Control Area Extensions, Special VFR weather minima (1 mile visibility), and night Special VFR limitations.

Section 14.0

Aviation Occurrences

Definitions of reportable accidents (death/serious injury, structural damage, missing aircraft) and incidents, reporting timelines, and wreckage preservation.

How to Pass the Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations (PSTAR) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 90% (45 correct out of 50)
  • Assessment: The PSTAR is a 50-question, multiple-choice examination randomly selected from a pool of approximately 200 questions. It must be taken in person at an authorized flight training unit or Transport Canada Centre. A passing score of 90% (45 correct) is required. After the test, all incorrect answers must be reviewed and corrected to 100% with a flight instructor.
  • Time limit: 90 minutes
  • Exam fee: $35.00 government fee

Keys to Passing

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

Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations (PSTAR) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Do not just memorize the questions; focus on the reasoning behind the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and the Aeronautical Information Manual (TC AIM).
2Pay close attention to VFR weather minima differences: controlled airspace requires 3 miles visibility and 1 mile horizontal cloud separation, whereas uncontrolled Class G below 1,000 AGL requires 2 miles visibility (day) and clear of cloud.
3Memorize the ATC light signals: steady green means 'cleared to land' in flight but 'cleared for takeoff' on the ground. A flashing red flare means 'do not land for the time being' under all conditions.
4Understand the difference between a flight plan (closes within 60 minutes of ETA, files with FSS) and a flight itinerary (closes within 24 hours of ETA, files with a responsible person).
5Learn the right-of-way order: distress has absolute priority, followed by balloons, gliders, airships, aircraft towing objects, and finally power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PSTAR exam, and why is it required?

The Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations (PSTAR) is a Transport Canada written exam testing student pilots on basic aviation regulations, radio procedures, and safety rules. You must pass it before you can be issued a Student Pilot Permit (SPP) and fly your first solo flight.

What is the passing score and format of the PSTAR?

The PSTAR consists of 50 multiple-choice questions selected from a pool of 200. The passing score is exceptionally high: 90% (meaning you must get at least 45 out of 50 questions correct). It has a 90-minute time limit.

How much does the PSTAR exam cost?

Transport Canada charges a standard $35.00 government fee for the exam. However, authorized flight training units (FTUs) that administer the test on-site may charge additional administration or ground school fees.

What happens if I fail the PSTAR?

There is no limit on the number of attempts you can make, but you cannot fly solo until you pass. If you fail, you must review the weak areas identified in your feedback letter and obtain an instructor's sign-off before retaking the test (usually on a subsequent day).

Are candidates required to review incorrect answers after passing?

Yes. Even if you pass with a score between 90% and 98%, Transport Canada regulations require that all incorrect answers be reviewed and corrected to 100% with a licensed flight instructor before you fly solo.