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Sample ATPL Flight Performance and Planning Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the ATPL Flight Performance and Planning exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which of the following defines the Zero Fuel Mass (ZFM) of an aircraft?
A.Dry Operating Mass plus the Traffic Load
B.Basic Empty Mass plus the usable fuel load
C.Maximum structural take-off mass minus the trip fuel
D.Operating Mass plus the alternate and reserve fuel
Explanation: Zero Fuel Mass (ZFM) is defined as the total mass of the aircraft including crew, cabin staff, pantry, passenger, and cargo load (traffic load), but excluding all usable fuel. It is mathematically represented as Dry Operating Mass (DOM) plus Traffic Load.
2An aircraft has a total mass of 72,000 kg and the current Center of Gravity (CG) is located at station 16.50 m. A cargo pallet weighing 1,500 kg is shifted from the forward cargo compartment (station 11.20 m) to the aft compartment (station 25.40 m). What is the new position of the Center of Gravity?
A.16.80 m
B.16.20 m
C.17.10 m
D.15.90 m
Explanation: To find the new CG position, use the CG shift formula: Shift = (Weight shifted * Distance shifted) / Total Weight. Here, Shift = (1,500 kg * (25.40 m - 11.20 m)) / 72,000 kg = (1,500 * 14.20) / 72,000 = 0.2958 m. Since the weight was shifted aft, the new CG is 16.50 m + 0.30 m = 16.80 m.
3Given that the Leading Edge of the Mean Aerodynamic Chord (LEMAC) is at station 12.40 m, and the length of the Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC) is 3.60 m. If the Center of Gravity (CG) is located at station 13.66 m, what is the CG position expressed as a percentage of the MAC (% MAC)?
A.35.0% MAC
B.28.5% MAC
C.42.0% MAC
D.31.8% MAC
Explanation: The formula to calculate the CG in % MAC is: CG (% MAC) = ((CG position - LEMAC) / MAC) * 100. Substituting the values: CG (% MAC) = ((13.66 - 12.40) / 3.60) * 100 = (1.26 / 3.60) * 100 = 35.0% MAC.
4Under CAASL and EASA Part-FCL guidelines, what is included in the Dry Operating Mass (DOM) of an aircraft?
A.The aircraft empty mass, flight crew, cabin crew, catering, and water, but excluding usable fuel and traffic load
B.The structural empty mass plus the usable fuel load and passenger bags
C.The basic empty mass plus the traffic load and catering supplies
D.The total weight of the aircraft ready for takeoff, including fuel and passengers
Explanation: Dry Operating Mass (DOM) is the total mass of the aircraft ready for a specific type of operation, which includes the empty weight, crew (flight and cabin), crew baggage, catering and passenger service equipment, potable water, and lavatory chemicals, but specifically excludes usable fuel and traffic load.
5How does fuel in the wing tanks affect the wing root bending moment during flight?
A.It provides relief by opposing aerodynamic lift, thereby reducing the wing root bending moment
B.It increases the wing root bending moment due to the downward weight force of the fuel
C.It has no effect on the wing root bending moment as fuel is consumed during flight
D.It increases wing flutter but does not affect static structural bending moments
Explanation: Aerodynamic lift acts upwards along the wings, creating a significant upward bending moment at the wing root. Fuel carried in the wing tanks acts downward, opposing the lift force and reducing the net wing root bending moment. This structural relief is the reason for the Zero Fuel Mass limitation.
6An aircraft has a Dry Operating Mass (DOM) of 45,000 kg. The traffic load consists of 120 passengers with an average mass of 84 kg each, and 2,500 kg of cargo. The minimum fuel required for the flight is 9,500 kg. What is the minimum Take-Off Mass (TOM) for this flight?
A.57,580 kg
B.67,080 kg
C.55,080 kg
D.64,580 kg
Explanation: Take-Off Mass (TOM) is calculated by adding the Traffic Load and Take-Off Fuel to the Dry Operating Mass (DOM). First, find the passenger mass: 120 * 84 kg = 10,080 kg. Total Traffic Load = 10,080 kg (passengers) + 2,500 kg (cargo) = 12,580 kg. Zero Fuel Mass (ZFM) = DOM + Traffic Load = 45,000 kg + 12,580 kg = 57,580 kg. Take-Off Mass (TOM) = ZFM + Fuel = 57,580 kg + 9,500 kg = 67,080 kg.
7What is the primary operational consequence of operating an aircraft with a Center of Gravity (CG) that is forward of the forward limit?
A.Increased longitudinal stability, high elevator control forces, and increased stall speed
B.Reduced longitudinal stability, light elevator control forces, and decreased stall speed
C.Susceptibility to tail strike on rotation and decreased fuel consumption
D.Neutral stability, rudder buffet, and decreased climb performance
Explanation: A forward CG increases the longitudinal stabilizer moment arm, which increases longitudinal stability. However, this requires greater downward elevator force to balance the aircraft, leading to high control forces. The increased downforce acts as additional weight, requiring more lift, which increases the stall speed and drag.
8An aircraft has a Take-Off Mass of 85,000 kg and the CG is at 28% MAC. During flight, 18,000 kg of fuel is burned from a center wing tank located at 35% MAC. How does the CG position shift as a result of this fuel burn?
A.The CG shifts forward to approximately 26.1% MAC
B.The CG shifts aft to approximately 30.2% MAC
C.The CG remains unchanged at 28.0% MAC
D.The CG shifts forward to approximately 24.5% MAC
Explanation: Use the formula: New CG = (Total Initial Moment - Moment of Fuel Burned) / New Mass. Let total MAC be 100 units. Initial Moment = 85,000 * 28 = 2,380,000. Fuel Burned Moment = 18,000 * 35 = 630,000. New Moment = 2,380,000 - 630,000 = 1,750,000. New Mass = 85,000 - 18,000 = 67,000 kg. New CG = 1,750,000 / 67,000 = 26.12% MAC. Since the fuel tank was aft of the initial CG, burning this fuel shifts the CG forward.
9What is the definition of the term 'Useful Load' in aircraft weight and balance terms?
A.The difference between the Maximum Take-Off Mass and the Dry Operating Mass
B.The sum of the traffic load and the unusable fuel load
C.The total mass of passengers, cargo, baggage, and usable fuel
D.The structural capacity of the cargo holds excluding cabin load
Explanation: Useful Load is the difference between the Maximum Take-Off Mass (or Maximum Ramp Mass) and the Dry Operating Mass (DOM). It represents the total load capacity available for traffic load (passengers, baggage, cargo) and usable fuel.
10An aircraft has a landing gear configuration with a maximum floor loading limit of 750 kg/m². A cargo box with dimensions 1.2 m by 1.0 m at the base and weighing 960 kg is to be loaded. What is the minimum area of a spreader board required to distribute the load so as not to exceed the floor limit?
A.1.28 m²
B.1.08 m²
C.1.44 m²
D.1.15 m²
Explanation: To avoid exceeding the floor limit, the area over which the weight is distributed must satisfy: Weight / Area <= Limit. Therefore, Area >= Weight / Limit = 960 kg / 750 kg/m² = 1.28 m².

About the ATPL Flight Performance and Planning Exam

The CAASL ATPL Flight Performance and Planning examination evaluates a candidate's advanced theoretical knowledge in mass and balance (loading limits, CG envelope calculations), aircraft performance (Class A jet and Class B turboprop takeoff, climb, cruise, and landing data), and flight planning and monitoring (ICAO flight plans, en-route fuel monitoring, ETP, and PNR). The syllabus is closely aligned with the EASA Part-FCL framework and is a critical hurdle for obtaining a Sri Lankan Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). Examinations are administered by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka at the computerized testing facility in Katunayake. Candidates must schedule their sessions in advance through the official CAASL online system, paying the registration fee of LKR 4,000 per subject. A solid understanding of performance tables, graph plotting, and flight navigation computer operations is essential for success in this intensive three-hour, 60-question multiple-choice exam. To prepare effectively, candidates should systematically study the three key components. Practice calculating cargo loading sheets, fuel planning requirements (including contingency, alternate, and holding reserves), and drift down scenarios. Working through realistic multi-step navigation computer calculations and EASA-style performance graphs will build the speed and precision required to comfortably pass within the time limit.

Exam sponsor: Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) Examination Center. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

60 questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

75%

Exam / Certification Fees

LKR 4,000

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Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

30%

Performance

Certified performance and limitations for large aeroplanes.

30%

Mass and Balance

Loading systems and CG envelopes.

40%

Flight Planning and Monitoring

ATC flight plans, fuel policy, and in-flight monitoring.

Preparing for the ATPL Flight Performance and Planning Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75%
  • Exam length: 60 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: LKR 4,000 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pass mark for the CAASL ATPL Performance exam?

The CAASL theoretical knowledge pass mark is 75%, with no negative marking for incorrect answers.

How many questions are on the official CAASL ATPL Performance paper?

The official paper is published as 60 questions with a duration of 3 hours (see SLCAP 3080 / IS-66 / CAASL Examination Center).

Who administers the CAASL ATPL Performance examination?

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) conducts knowledge examinations at the CAASL Examination Center.

Where can I confirm fees?

Examination fees are published in CAASL SLCAP 7100 (Fees and Charges). Confirm the current per-subject fee before booking.