A lot of expertise and knowledge has been provided into this thread. What is absolutely clear is that the only organisations who know where they stand are the AOC operators. The ATO/DTO can set the standard it chooses subject to their manual being approved. So the schools will vary in the setting of standards. As I've already stated in an earlier post: there are many ATO/DTO operating at airfields where AOC standards cannot be achieved. Opinion, however wise, suggesting that the private operator should use the AOC standard, is just that, opinion and somewhat naïve.
The discussion cannot be about what happens to be the case within an AOC operations or differently at a ATO/DTO. The question was to do with the PPL aeroplane exam and therefore must be in accordance with private operations. I do not have any knowledge with regard to the content of the current online exams. I can say that the CAA have not asked similar questions in my 30 years as an examiner. The emphasis has been centred on the proper interpolation of the AFM manuals and by reference to the Safety Sense leaflets: e.g. the small print normally detailing the factoring for such as : slope, grass, pressure altitude etc. the 60% applicable to landing on short wet grass. The PPL candidate in my experience often slipped up by not reading the supplementary small print usually set below the tables/graph.. What is clear is that if the question is asked about any factoring outside of the AFM then the specific source must form part of the question. The source must also be one of which it is reasonable to expect the PPL should be aware and have studied. If not then the question is unfair and will give grounds for appeal.
In time, no doubt, there will be a proliferation of publications/software detailing feedback of the actual questions. We shouldn't need to wait too long.
Last edited by Fl1ingfrog; 16th Jun 2021 at 12:06.