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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: SARON Exam

80

Exam Questions

Transport Canada TP 690

3.5 hrs

Time Limit

Transport Canada TP 690

70%

Passing Score

Transport Canada TP 690

$105.00

Exam Fee (CAD)

Transport Canada CARs Schedule IV

24 mos

Exam Validity

Transport Canada CARs 401.05

14 days

First Retake Wait

Transport Canada CARs 400.04

SARON is an 80-question, 3.5-hour exam covering Canadian air law, turbine operations, general navigation, flight theory, and human factors. It has a 70% pass mark, a $105 CAD fee, and is one of two written exams required for the Transport Canada ATPL-A.

Sample SARON Practice Questions

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

1Under CARs Part VII, when a Transport Canada Civil Aviation inspector presents an official identity card to the captain of a 705 aeroplane, what are the entry requirements regarding the flight deck?
A.The captain must admit the inspector to the flight deck, provided a seat with a safety harness is available.
B.The captain may deny entry if the aircraft is operating under a Type A operational control system.
C.The captain must admit the inspector only if the flight dispatcher has signed a joint release amendment.
D.The captain may deny entry if the flight is carrying cargo of a sensitive or hazardous nature.
Explanation: According to CARs 705.27, the captain must admit an inspector to the flight deck when they present their official identity card, provided a flight deck jumpseat or observer's seat with a safety harness is available. The inspector's right of access is regulatory and does not require dispatcher co-signature or depend on operational control types.
2What is the maximum flight time limit permitted for a pilot operating under CARs Part VII within any 365 consecutive days?
A.1,200 hours
B.1,000 hours
C.1,100 hours
D.900 hours
Explanation: CARs 700.103 specifies that no air operator shall assign flight time to a flight crew member, and no flight crew member shall accept such an assignment, if the total flight time exceeds 1,000 hours in any 365 consecutive days.
3In CARs 705 operations, what is the validity period of a pilot's line check?
A.Valid to the first day of the 13th month following the month in which the check was completed.
B.Valid to the first day of the 25th month following the month in which the check was completed.
C.Valid to the first day of the 7th month following the month in which the check was completed.
D.Valid to the first day of the 37th month following the month in which the check was completed.
Explanation: According to CARs 705.113, a line check is valid to the first day of the 13th month following the month in which the check was completed. This is a standard 12-month validity period.
4Under the current CARs 705.201, an air operator selects one of two flight attendant ratios for a given aeroplane model. For the ratio based on the number of passengers carried on board, what is the minimum requirement?
A.1 flight attendant for each unit of 40 passengers or fraction thereof on board.
B.1 flight attendant for each unit of 30 passengers or fraction thereof on board.
C.1 flight attendant for each unit of 50 passenger seats.
D.1 flight attendant for each unit of 50 passengers or fraction thereof on board.
Explanation: Under CARs 705.201(2), the air operator selects one of two ratios for each aeroplane model: one flight attendant for each unit of 40 passengers (or portion thereof) carried, or one flight attendant for each unit of 50 passenger seats (or portion thereof). For the passenger-based option, the requirement is 1 per 40 passengers. The former 1-per-50-passengers rule was replaced by the 2015 amendment (SOR/2015-127).
5Under what conditions may a pilot deviate from noise abatement procedures while departing a noise-restricted airport in Canada?
A.When the flight dispatcher authorizes the deviation due to a delay.
B.Only when necessary for the safety of the aircraft or to prevent an inflight emergency.
C.If the pilot wishes to expedite the climb to cruise altitude for fuel conservation.
D.Whenever the aircraft is operating under visual flight rules (VFR).
Explanation: CARs 602.105 states that no person shall operate an aircraft in a manner that conflicts with noise operating criteria except when necessary for safety or in an emergency. Dispatcher authority or fuel conservation do not override noise abatement laws.
6What is the minimum continuous recording time required for a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) installed on a turbine-powered transport category aeroplane manufactured after October 11, 1991?
A.10 hours
B.30 minutes
C.2 hours
D.25 hours
Explanation: CARs 605.33 and the associated standard require that an FDR must record and retain information continuously for at least 25 hours of aeroplane operation.
7What is the validity period of a Pilot Proficiency Check (PPC) for a pilot in command of a CARs 705 aeroplane?
A.Valid to the first day of the 13th month following the month in which the check was completed.
B.Valid to the first day of the 7th month following the month in which the check was completed.
C.Valid to the first day of the 25th month following the month in which the check was completed.
D.Valid to the first day of the 37th month following the month in which the check was completed.
Explanation: Under CARs 705.113, a Pilot Proficiency Check (PPC) is valid to the first day of the 13th month following the month in which the check was completed. The PPC must be renewed annually.
8Under what condition may cargo be carried in the passenger compartment of an aeroplane operated under CARs Part VII?
A.It must be stowed in a manner that does not obstruct the view of the 'Fasten Seat Belt' sign for any passenger.
B.It is packaged in approved cardboard containers and placed in an unoccupied seat without restraint.
C.It is secured by safety belts or other tie-down restraints designed to withstand flight load forces and stowed in an approved stowage compartment or rack.
D.It does not exceed 100 kg per compartment and is monitored by a flight attendant.
Explanation: CARs 602.86 states that no person shall carry cargo in the passenger compartment unless it is stowed in an approved wardrobe, baggage compartment, or secured by restraints to withstand specific load factors. Securing items properly prevents injury and exit blockages.
9When must a passenger who requires assistance in an emergency receive an individual safety briefing from a crew member in a CARs 705 operation?
A.Prior to take-off.
B.Immediately after reaching cruise altitude.
C.Only if the passenger requests the briefing.
D.Prior to taxiing.
Explanation: According to CARs 705.43, the individual safety briefing for passengers who require assistance must be provided prior to take-off. This ensures they are prepared in case of an emergency during the critical takeoff phase.
10For a turbo-jet powered aeroplane operated under CARs Part VII in instrument flight conditions (IFR), what is the minimum fuel reserve requirement if an alternate airport is specified in the flight plan?
A.Fuel to fly to destination, execute an approach, fly to and land at the alternate, plus 45 minutes of cruise fuel.
B.Fuel to fly to destination, execute an approach, fly to and land at the alternate, plus 30 minutes at holding speed at 1,500 feet ASL under standard temperature conditions.
C.Fuel to fly to destination, execute an approach, fly to and land at the alternate, plus 30 minutes at holding speed at 10,000 feet.
D.Fuel to fly to destination, plus 45 minutes of holding at 1,500 feet ASL.
Explanation: Under CARs 705.76, the minimum fuel for a turbo-jet aeroplane under IFR with a designated alternate includes fuel to fly to destination, execute an approach, fly to and land at the alternate, and then fly for 30 minutes at holding speed at 1,500 feet above the alternate under standard temperature conditions.

About the SARON Exam

The Transport Canada SARON exam is the first of two written examinations required for the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (Aeroplane). It covers air law, air traffic control procedures, aeroplane systems (focusing on turbine aircraft), instruments, general navigation, flight operations, flight theory, and human factors. Preparation for SARON demands deep understanding of CARs Part VII (704/705 operations), turbine engine thermodynamics, critical point (CP) and point of no return (PNR) flight planning calculations, high-altitude aerodynamics, and crew resource management (CRM). Together with the SAMRA exam and the Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (INRAT), it forms the academic foundation for airline first officers and captains in Canada.

Assessment

The SARON exam contains 80 multiple-choice questions. It must be written at a Transport Canada test center or an authorized invigilator site. A score of 70% (56 correct answers) or higher is required to pass. The time limit is 3.5 hours.

Time Limit

3.5 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$105.00 CAD (Transport Canada Civil Aviation)

SARON Exam Content Outline

30%

Air Law and ATC Procedures

CARs Part VI & VII (704/705 regulations), airspace classification, flight plans, pilot licensing, flight time limitations, air traffic services, and terminal operations.

15%

Airframe, Systems, and Powerplants

Turbine engines, APUs, aircraft electrical systems, hydraulics, landing gear, braking, ice/rain protection, and emergency systems.

10%

Aircraft Instruments

Pitot-static instruments, air data computers, flight management systems, EFIS displays, autopilot, TCAS, GPWS, and warning systems.

15%

General Navigation

Chart projections (Lambert, Mercator), navigation calculations, Critical Point (CP) and Point of No Return (PNR) math, wind drift, and flight logs.

15%

Flight Operations

Aeroplane performance charts, take-off, climb, cruise, and landing, contaminated runways, weight and balance, wake turbulence, and emergency procedures.

8%

Aerodynamics and Theory of Flight

Subsonic aerodynamics, high-speed aerodynamics (critical Mach, sweepback, wave drag), boundary layer control, and high-altitude stability.

7%

Human Factors

Aviation physiology (hypoxia, decompression, hyperventilation), spatial disorientation, optical illusions, fatigue, stress management, CRM, and TEM.

How to Pass the SARON Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: The SARON exam contains 80 multiple-choice questions. It must be written at a Transport Canada test center or an authorized invigilator site. A score of 70% (56 correct answers) or higher is required to pass. The time limit is 3.5 hours.
  • Time limit: 3.5 hours
  • Exam fee: $105.00 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

SARON Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus heavily on CARs Part VII (704 and 705 operations) for the air law portion, as Transport Canada tests airline and commuter operating rules extensively.
2Understand and practice Critical Point (CP) and Point of No Return (PNR) navigation formulas; they are guaranteed to appear on the exam.
3Review turbine engine operations, hot starts, hung starts, and compressor stalls, along with aircraft systems (pressurization, pneumatics, and electrical).
4Memorize high-speed aerodynamics terms such as critical Mach number, sweepback advantages/disadvantages, Mach tuck, and shock waves.
5Study human factors concepts like hypoxia stages, decompression sickness, optical illusions during night landing, and threat and error management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SARON and SAMRA?

The SARON exam covers Air Law and Procedures, Aeroplane Operations, General Navigation, Systems, Aerodynamics, and Human Factors. The SAMRA exam covers Meteorology, Flight Planning, and Radio Aids/Radio Communications. Both exams must be passed within a 24-month period to apply for the Canadian ATPL (Aeroplane).

How many questions are on the SARON exam, and what is the passing score?

The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions. The passing score is 70%, which means you must answer at least 56 questions correctly. The time limit for the exam is 3.5 hours (210 minutes).

What is the fee for writing the SARON exam?

The standard Transport Canada exam fee is $105.00 CAD per attempt. If written at a private, authorized computer test center, an additional facility administrative fee may apply.

What is the validity period of the written exam results?

Under CARs, written exam results are valid for 24 months. You must meet all the requirements and be issued your ATPL within 24 months of writing the exams. Once the licence is issued, the exams do not expire. If the 24 months pass without licence issue, the written exams must be rewritten.

What are the retake policies if I fail the SARON exam?

If you fail a Transport Canada written examination, CARs 400.04 dictates a mandatory waiting period before rewriting. For the first failure, you must wait 14 days; for the second failure, 30 days; and for the third or subsequent failures, 180 days.