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Key Facts: CPL Navigation Exam

Questions

CAASL CPL Exam Syllabus

2 hours

Time Limit

CAASL Personnel Licensing

LKR 2,000

Exam Fee

CAASL 2026 Fees

75%

Passing Score

CAASL Implementing Standards

CRP-5 / E6B

Allowed Tools

CAASL Exam Room Guidelines

Katunayake

Exam Center Location

CAASL Official Venue

The CAASL CPL Navigation exam features 60 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour limit. It costs LKR 2,000, requires a 75% passing score, and is administered as a computer-based exam at the Katunayake exam hall.

Sample CPL Navigation Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CPL Navigation 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 ratios correctly defines the flattening (compression) of the Earth spheroid?

A.(a - b) / a, where a is the semi-major axis and b is the semi-minor axis

B.(a - b) / b, where a is the semi-major axis and b is the semi-minor axis

C.(a + b) / a, where a is the semi-major axis and b is the semi-minor axis

D.b / a, where a is the semi-major axis and b is the semi-minor axis

Explanation: The flattening or compression of the Earth's oblate spheroid is defined as the ratio of the difference between the semi-major axis (equatorial radius, a) and the semi-minor axis (polar radius, b) to the semi-major axis, expressed as (a - b) / a. The Earth's compression ratio is approximately 1/297, meaning the polar diameter is about 23 nautical miles shorter than the equatorial diameter.

2What is the primary difference between geodetic latitude and geocentric latitude?

A.Geodetic latitude is measured relative to the local horizon, while geocentric latitude is measured relative to the Earth's true polar axis.

B.Geodetic latitude is the angle between the equatorial plane and the normal to the spheroid at that point, while geocentric latitude is the angle between the equatorial plane and a line connecting the point to the Earth's center.

C.Geodetic latitude is measured in statute miles from the equator, while geocentric latitude is measured in nautical miles from the prime meridian.

D.Geodetic latitude accounts for the Earth's rotation speed, while geocentric latitude is a static coordinate based on Keplerian orbits.

Explanation: Because the Earth is an oblate spheroid, the normal (perpendicular line) to the surface at any point (except the poles and equator) does not pass through the exact center of the Earth. Geodetic latitude is the angle between this normal and the equatorial plane (used on charts), whereas geocentric latitude is the angle between the equatorial plane and a line drawn directly from the center of the Earth to the point.

3Calculate the departure distance between two positions on parallel of latitude 60°N: Position A is at 010°W and Position B is at 020°W.

A.600 NM

B.300 NM

C.520 NM

D.150 NM

Explanation: Departure (distance along a parallel of latitude) is calculated using the formula: Departure = dLong (in minutes) * cos(latitude). Here, the difference in longitude (dLong) is 10 degrees, which equals 600 minutes of arc. Applying the formula: Departure = 600 * cos(60°) = 600 * 0.5 = 300 NM.

4What is the distance along a Great Circle path between Position X (00°00'N/S, 010°00'E) and Position Y (00°00'N/S, 025°00'E)?

A.900 NM

B.1500 NM

C.450 NM

D.779 NM

Explanation: Both positions lie on the Equator (00°00'N/S), which is a Great Circle. The distance along a Great Circle is 1 NM per minute of arc. The difference in longitude between 010°E and 025°E is 15 degrees. Therefore, the distance is 15 degrees * 60 minutes/degree = 900 NM.

5Calculate the earth convergence angle between two meridians of longitude separated by 20° at a mean latitude of 45°N.

A.20.0°

B.14.1°

C.10.0°

D.7.1°

Explanation: Earth convergence is the angle between two meridians at different positions and is calculated using the formula: Convergence = dLong * sin(mean Latitude). Given a dLong of 20° and a mean latitude of 45°N: Convergence = 20° * sin(45°) = 20° * 0.7071 = 14.14°.

6Determine the conversion angle between longitude 010°W and 030°W at a mean latitude of 60°S.

A.17.3°

B.8.7°

C.10.0°

D.5.0°

Explanation: Conversion angle is the angular difference between the Great Circle track and the Rhumb Line track, calculated as: Conversion Angle = 0.5 * Convergence = 0.5 * dLong * sin(mean Latitude). Here, dLong is 20° (from 010°W to 030°W) and mean latitude is 60°S. Applying the formula: Conversion Angle = 0.5 * 20° * sin(60°) = 10° * 0.866 = 8.66° (rounded to 8.7°).

7Which of the following statements is true regarding Great Circle paths and Rhumb Line tracks in the Northern Hemisphere?

A.A Great Circle path curves to the south of the Rhumb Line track, and its track angle remains constant.

B.A Great Circle path curves to the north of the Rhumb Line track, and its track angle increases when traveling west.

C.A Great Circle path curves to the north of the Rhumb Line track, and its path is concave to the nearer pole.

D.A Great Circle path is always straight on a Mercator chart, while a Rhumb Line curves toward the equator.

Explanation: In both hemispheres, Great Circles curve toward the nearer pole relative to the Rhumb Line, making their paths concave to the pole. In the Northern Hemisphere, a Great Circle path lies north of the Rhumb Line path. Because the meridians converge toward the pole, the true track of the Great Circle changes continuously along the route.

8On a Lambert Conformal Conic chart, how does the chart convergence compare to the Earth convergence?

A.Chart convergence is equal to Earth convergence at all latitudes.

B.Chart convergence is constant and does not change with longitude difference.

C.Chart convergence is equal to Earth convergence only at the parallel of origin (standard parallel).

D.Chart convergence is always greater than Earth convergence at all latitudes.

Explanation: On a Lambert Conformal Conic chart, chart convergence is calculated as dLong * sin(parallel of origin). Earth convergence is dLong * sin(latitude). Therefore, chart convergence equals Earth convergence only at the parallel of origin (latitude of origin). At latitudes higher than the parallel of origin, chart convergence is less than Earth convergence; at lower latitudes, it is greater.

9How does the scale change on a Lambert Conformal Conic chart with standard parallels at 30°N and 50°N?

A.The scale is constant and exact across the entire chart.

B.The scale is exact at 30°N and 50°N, smaller than 1 between them, and larger than 1 outside them.

C.The scale is exact at the parallel of origin (40°N) and increases progressively toward both standard parallels.

D.The scale expands to infinity at the Equator and becomes zero at the North Pole.

Explanation: A Lambert Conformal Conic chart uses a secant cone intersecting the spheroid at two standard parallels (30°N and 50°N in this case). The scale is exact (scale factor = 1.0) along these two parallels. Between them, the cone lies inside the spheroid, so the scale is compressed (scale factor < 1.0). Outside the standard parallels, the cone lies outside the spheroid, so the scale is expanded (scale factor > 1.0).

10Which of the following describes the scale expansion factor on a Direct Mercator chart?

A.Scale expands with the secant of the latitude (1 / cos latitude).

B.Scale is constant at all latitudes because it is a conformal cylinder projection.

C.Scale shrinks towards the poles as the cosine of the latitude.

D.Scale is exact at the standard parallels and compressed at the Equator.

Explanation: On a Direct Mercator chart, the cylinder is tangent to the Earth at the Equator. Meridians are represented as parallel vertical lines rather than converging. To maintain conformality (correct shapes), the latitude scale must expand at the same rate as the longitude scale, which is proportional to the secant of the latitude (1 / cos latitude). Thus, scale increases rapidly with latitude, rendering poles impossible to project.

About the CPL Navigation Exam

The Sri Lanka CAA CPL Navigation exam is a core theoretical knowledge exam for candidates seeking their Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Structurally aligned with EASA Part-FCL, the exam is highly quantitative, testing candidates on three core domains: General Navigation, Radio Navigation, and Instrumentation. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in flight computer calculations (including wind correction, speed/distance/time, and density altitude), the interpretation of Lambert Conformal and Mercator charts, the operating physics and errors of gyroscopic and air data instruments, and the operational application of radio aids (such as VOR, NDB, DME, ILS, and GNSS).

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.

Assessment

60 multiple-choice questions

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

75%

Exam / Certification Fees

LKR 2,000

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: 65%. average first-attempt pass rate This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

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

Official sources

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.

40%

General Navigation

Earth geometry, coordinates, navigation calculations, EASA map projections, wind triangle, speed, distance, fuel, time, and 1:60 rule.

35%

Radio Navigation

Propagation of radio waves, operational principles and errors of NDB/ADF, VOR, DME, ILS, Radar systems, and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).

25%

Instrumentation

Pitot-static instruments (ASI, VSI, Altimeter) and their errors, gyroscopic instruments (AH, DI, Turn Coordinator), magnetic compass deviation, and EFIS/FMS systems.

Preparing for the CPL Navigation Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 75%
Assessment: 60 multiple-choice questions
Time limit: 2 hours
Exam / certification fees: LKR 2,000 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

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CPL Navigation: Suggested Study Strategy

1Practice wind triangle calculations on your CRP-5 flight computer until they are second nature and can be completed in under 45 seconds.

2Memorize instrument error patterns: know what happens to the ASI/VSI/Altimeter when pitot tubes or static ports block during climb or descent.

3Understand the difference between magnetic heading, true heading, compass heading, track, and drift angle. Draw diagrams to avoid mixing them up.

4Learn the limitations and errors of radio aids: study NDB night effect, coastal refraction, VOR scalloping, and DME slant-range error.

5Solve multiple calculation questions on Lambert Conformal charts, particularly calculating scale and convergence angles at different latitudes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the CAASL CPL Navigation exam?

The exam is a computer-based test comprising 60 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are allocated exactly 2 hours to complete the examination. The exam is conducted in English at the CAASL examination hall in Katunayake.

Can I use a navigation computer (CRP-5 or E6B) during the exam?

Yes, candidates are permitted and highly recommended to bring a manual, non-electronic navigation flight computer (such as a Pooleys CRP-5, Jeppesen CR-3, or equivalent E6B) along with standard drawing tools (ruler, protractor) and a non-programmable calculator.

Where do I sit for the exam in Sri Lanka?

Theoretical knowledge exams for pilots are conducted exclusively by the CAASL at their dedicated computerized testing center located near Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.

What is the passing mark and how many attempts do I get?

The passing grade is 75%. Under EASA Part-FCL rules implemented by CAASL, you must pass all required CPL theoretical exams within 18 months from the end of the calendar month when you first attempted an exam. You have a maximum of 4 sittings and no more than 6 attempts at any single subject.

What kind of calculations are tested in General Navigation?

You will face calculations involving speed/time/distance, fuel consumption, wind correction angle (WCA), ground speed (GS), heading/track, climb and descent gradients, scale of map projections, converging meridians, and the 1:60 rule for track error correction.

Free Practice Questions for CPL Navigation

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