Commercial Pilot Student Intel List

Here is a reference list of questions—or more accurately, the subjects related to questions—which students answered incorrectly when they wrote the Transport Canada Commercial Pilot Written Examination. The list has been collected over the years based on the actual results issued by Transport Canada. The sample is based on a sample of 21 examinations. The numbers posted at the end of the reference indicates the number of students in the sample who got that particular question wrong.

Apply the correct control inputs when taxiing in a crosswind.
Apply right-of-way rules. (2)
Calculate Calibrated Airspeed. (2)
Calculate Density Altitude.
Calculate distance travelled in a descent. (2)
Calculate distance travelled in a climb.
Calculate relative bearing.
Calculate ETE.
Calculate groundspeed. (2)
Calculate the load factor for a given angle of bank.
Calculate true altitude. (3)
Calculate the effect of a load adjustment on the weight and balance. (3)
Calculate the loaded moment of the aircraft and determine if it is within limits. (2)
Calculate the maximum allowable wind velocity for a cross-wind landing.
Calculate VFR fuel requirements. (5)
Calculate the sun’s true bearing. (3)
Classify the navigation information available from a TACAN. (2)
Choose control inputs based on turn & band indications. (3)
Choose a heading to intercept a radial.
Choose a remedy for an out of balance load.
Choose useable radio frequencies. (2)
Compare laminar flow with high lift aerofoils. (3)
Compare the operation of a turn and bank indicator and a turn co-ordinator. (2)
Compute density altitude.
Decode a GFA. (2)
Decode GFA precipitation.
Decode ceilings in a GFA.
Decode a METAR. (12)
Decode a NOTAM. (3)
Decode a PIREP. (2)
Decode a TAF. (7)
Define “air position.”
Define turns used in navigation.
Define DR (Dead Reckoning) position.
Define Rhumb Line. (2)
Define Great Circle.
Define a warm front.
Define dewpoint.
Describe the characteristics of map projections.
Describe the weather associated with a TROWAL.
Describe the indications of an RMI. (2)
Describe the change in wind from the surface to clear of the boundary layer.
Describe the inaccuracies of a Vertical Speed Indicator.
Describe the operating principles of an attitude indicator.
Describe the operation of a mode C transponder.
Describe the conditions required for radiation fog. (2)
Describe the conditions required for the formation of fog.
Describe the characteristics of HF radio. (2)
Describe the effect that the C of G location has on stall characteristics.
Describe the information available from a VORTAC station. (2)
Describe the forces acting on an aeroplane in a state of equilibrium. (4)
Describe the forces on a conventional gear aeroplane during takeoff.
Describe the weather associated with an upper warm front.
Describe the characteristics of wing tip vortices. (2)
Describe the weather associated with an upper front.
Describe the characteristics of aviation fuels and their handling procedures. (3)
Describe how freezing precipitation is formed.
Describe cloud types.
Describe the movement of air in pressure systems. (3)
Describe the indications of a satisfactory VOT check. (20
Describe methods to achieve a “clean wing” in winter operations.
Describe what affects the coefficient of lift.
Describe how angle of attack affects lift and drag. (2)
Describe how air masses acquire their properties.
Determine aircraft position. (3)
Determine the relative bearing of an NDB. (3)
Determine the cloud base using a METAR.
Determine cross-wind limitations for a given CFRI.
Determine TAS from a cruise performance table. (2)
Determine the end of evening civil twilight. (2)
Determine relative bearing on an ADF.
Determine the validity period for a weather forecast.
Determine wind direction from a weather chart.
Determine if an aircraft is within loading limits.
Determine true track using navigation charts. (2)
Determine fuel consumption and power data from a graph. (3)
Explain the indication of a satisfactory VOT check.
Estimate flight time.
Estimate wind direction from a weather chart.
Explain the characteristics of DME. (2)
Explain the characteristics of migratory birds.
Explain the relationship between induced drag and aspect ratio.
Explain the effects of topography on wind. (2)
Explain atmospheric pressure levels and their effects on altimetry. (5)
Explain how altitude affects the lift/drag ratio. (5)
Explain what causes wheelbarrowing. (2)
Explain the principles of a transponder. (2)
Explain the effect of temperature on indicated altitude versus true altitude. (3)
Explain how alcohol affects orientation long after drinking has stopped. (3)
Explain how density altitude affects aeroplane performance. (2)
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of fuel injection. (2)
Explain the effects of frozen contaminants on lift and drag.
Explain the effect of carburettor heat on manifold pressure. (2)
Explain the effect of wind shear during an approach to land. (3)
Explain the effects of a pitot system blockage. (2)
Explain the implication of unserviceable equipment. (3)
Explain the operation of an ARCAL system.
Explain why a heading indicator must be reset at frequent intervals. (2)
Explain the principles of turbine engines. (2)
Explain why control surfaces are dynamically balanced. (4)
Explain why TAS and IAS differ.
Explain the factors affecting hydroplaning.
Explain the hazards of wind shear. (2)
Explain the privileges of a Commercial Pilot License. (4)
Explain the purpose of turbo-charging.
Explain why saturated air cools at a different rate than unsaturated air.
Explain the operation of a turbo-charger.
Explain the relationship between altitude and stalling speed.
Explain the purpose of wing slots.
Explain the purpose of vortex generators.
Explain the meaning of CRFI reports. (3)
Explain the operation of servo tabs.
Explain the inaccuracies of an ADF.
Explain the operation of the Mode C transponder.
Explain what happens to the C of P with an increase in the angle of attack. (2)
Explain what happens to the C of P during a stall. (2)
Explain why flaps increase lift.
Explain why fuel/air mixture adjustments are necessary.
Gather aerodrome information from a CFS. (6)
Given wind and TAS, measure track and determine heading/ground speed. (3)
Identify the areas of turbulence associated with mountain waves.
Identify airspace classification. (7)
Identify DME facilities. (4)
Identify atmospheric conditions favourable for thunderstorm formation.
Identify the minimum radio equipment required to operate an aircraft in Class C airspace.
Identify the primary factor that affects atmospheric stability.
Identify the components of a Triangle of Velocities. (3)
Identify the features of a squall line.
Identify the weather minima for VFR-OTT flight.
Identify cloud forming processes.
Identify possible causes of high engine oil temperature.
Identify useable VHF frequencies.
Identify the cause of low level wind shear near thunderstorms.
Identify the possible errors of a gyroscopic attitude indicator.
Identify the source of centripetal force during a turn. (2)
Identify carbon monoxide facts. (4)
Identify the safety equipment required for take-offs and landings on water. (3)
Identify the symptoms of hyperventilation.
Identify the symptoms of hypoxia.
Identify the issues and replacement times of a GFA (2)
Identify the source of centripetal force during a turn.
Identify types of climbs and how they are affected by wind.
Identify the mixture settings for a reciprocating engine.
Identify Class E airspace.
Interpret VOR indications.
Interpret and track the VOR.
Interpret VOR indications relative to an airway. (2)
Interpret the ADF and intercept a track. (3)
Interpret a GFA. (4)
Interpret the CFS. (2)
Interpret VNC scales.
Interpret aeronautical information from a VNC.
Interpret VNC symbols and information.
Interpret a significant Weather Prognostic Chart. (2)
Interpret ground marshalling signals. (2)
Interpret a turn co-ordinator. (2)
Plot waypoints, measure track, and calculate ETE.
Predict the reliability of a magnetic compass during a climb.
Predict the precipitation at a warm front in winter. (2)
Predict the effects of a disconnected static pressure line. (3)
Predict the effect of a complete static pressure blockage on the airspeed indicator.
Predict the possible effect of making an approach in blackhole conditions. (2)
Predict the sensory illusions that may occur after recovery from a prolonged turn without outside visual references. (3)
Predict what illusions may be expected when accelerating or decelerating without outside visual references.
Predict the wind changes with pressure system movement.
Predict VOR indications.
Recall the weather minima for VFR flight in a control area.
Recall good engine operating procedures. (2)
Recall the format for completing a VFR Flight Plan. (3)
Recall the aircraft icing regulations. (2)
Recall the factors that determine the weather in air masses.
Recall aircraft interception procedures. (2)
Recall the names of fronts associated with air masses.
Recall the effects of carburettor heat.
Recall the requirements to carry life preservers. (3)
Recall the rules that apply to a Class C control zone. (2)
Recall the rules that apply to the Class F airspace. (3)
Recall the altimeter setting and operating procedures.
Recall the definition of a stall. (3)
Recall the distribution of Operations Manuals in a commercial air service.
Recall the characteristics of a spin.
Recall the classification of clouds and associated turbulence.
Recall the effect of impact icing.
Recall the aircraft icing prohibitions.
Recall the minimum permissible altitudes over a built-up area.
Recall the flight crew member qualifications required for a commercial air service. (3)
Recall the flight duty time regulations for a commercial air service. (2)
Recall the requirements for the use of safety belts and restraint systems. (5)
Recall the standard VFR transponder codes. (2)
Recall the requirements to perform elementary work on a commercial aircraft.
Recall the principles of GPS. (3)
Recall the radio procedures applicable to MF/ATF areas. (3)
Recall the requirements for a landing light.
Recall when a pre-takeoff contamination inspection is required.
Recall the regulation for protection of aviation occurrence sites. (3)
Recall the precipitation associated with a warm front in winter.
Recall the requirement for VFR cruising altitudes.
Recall the regulations regarding alcohol or drug use.
Recall the restrictions regarding alcohol or drug use. (2)
Recall the weather minima for VFR flight.
Recall weather map symbols.
Recall what frequencies apply to an ATF.
Recall the VFR fuel requirements.
Recognize the conditions that produce hazardous wingtip vortices. (2)
Recognize conditions that can cause white-out. (2)
Recognize the conditions conducive to carburettor icing. (2)
Recognize the symptoms of carburettor icing.
Recognize the causes of convective turbulence. (3)
Recognize the effect of falling rain on relative humidity. (3)
Recognize the limitations of DME. (2)
Recognize a satisfactory VOT check. (2)
Recognize VOR reception limitations. (4)
Recognize the serviceability of an NDB. (2)
Select the appropriate ATF/MF agency and frequency.
Select an appropriate cruising altitude. (2)
State the rule regarding dropping objects from aircraft in flight. (2)
State the effect of temperature on atmospheric pressure levels
State the conditions and properties associated with hail. (2)
State the importance of loading an aircraft to ensure that the C.G. is within limits.
State the relationship between temperature and moisture content.
State the relationship between induced drag and airspeed. (3)
State the equipment required for VFR-OTT flight. (2)
State the guidelines for flying after receiving anaesthetics. (3)
State the commercial air service requirements for flight crew currency. (2)
State the weather changes with frontal passage. (8)
State the weather associated with a warm front.
State the adiabatic lapse rate.
State the conditions associated with unstable air.
Use radio navigation aids to determine fix. (2)
Use position lines to plot fix and ETE.
Understand and minimize ADF inaccuracies.
Verify the presence of carburettor ice by use of carburettor heat. (3)

Be sure you have reviewed as much of this list as is possible before you write your Transport Canada exam. Remember, however, that the list is not a comprehensive list of all subjects contained on the exam, but a sample of questions that students answered incorrectly.